Cats are among the most loved pets across the planet. Along with these creatures of mystery, comes a host of myths and misconceptions. While some of these myths are harmless, others can influence how we care for and understand our feline companions. In this blog post, we’ll shed light on some of the most common myths about cats, aiming to dispel the conceptions and foster a deeper appreciation for all cats.
Myth #1: Cats are low maintenance pets
Cats wear the label of being “low-maintenance” because they are often being compared to dogs. Yes, cats do not possess the same play or energy expenditure requirement as dogs. But they do still require a certain level of attention and care to ensure a good quality of life. Food and water should be provided and refreshed daily, and importantly, their litter boxes have to be cleaned regularly.
Although cats may not require daily walks, playtime and training is still necessary for their physical and mental well-being. Furthermore, like dogs, regular visits to the vet must be scheduled to prevent emerging health problems.
Myth #2: It is cruel to keep cats indoors only
We can only dream of an ideal world where all domestic cats would be allowed to safely roam. Unfortunately, the world outside of our homes poses many kinds of dangers that can cause stress, injuries or even death for our felines.
The most important reason to keep your cats indoors is to keep them safe from human abuse, especially with the rising animal abuse cases here in Singapore. In the context of living in Singapore, allowing your cat to roam the corridors of your HDB flat is especially dangerous. Cats are curious creatures and may end up wandering places they are not supposed to, putting themselves at risk of falling from these high-rise buildings.
Keeping your cats indoors also prohibits them from venturing into neighbour’s homes, which may cause unnecessary conflicts. Additionally, it prevents them from contracting parasites and catching diseases like FeLV and FIV from other felines.
Contrary to popular belief, cats can live a good life indoors! You can provide them with a stimulating indoor environment by furnishing your home with climbing towers and scratching and providing them with interactive toys. This will help to fulfil their natural instincts for hunting and exploration.
Myth #3: It is harmless to declaw your cats
It is a natural behaviour for a cat to scratch. Yes, sometimes they scratch and damage what they are not supposed to, like our furniture. However, resorting to such a drastic measure will cause more problems for you than it solves. Declawing is a surgical procedure in which a cat’s claws are removed. The nearest equivalent for humans would be if our fingers were amputated at our last knuckle, ouch!
The after-effects can include pain in the paws, lameness and permanent changes in behaviour. Without claws, a cat’s gait changes causing pain comparable to wearing a pair of ill-fitting shoes. Cats can become more aggressive while in pain, and they are also more likely to bite.
On the chance that the procedure does not go smoothly, improper removal can cause claws to regrow, possibly resulting in nerve damage and bone spurs.
Myth #4: Cats purr only when they are happy
A cat’s purr is a complex form of communication that extends beyond just happiness. While cats do often purr when they are relaxed and content, they can also purr for a variety of other reasons. Purring is also a self-soothing mechanism for cats. To self-soothe, they purr when they are in pain or distress. Some cats even purr when they are unwell.
Therefore, it is crucial to consider the overall context and the cat’s behaviour and body language when trying to interpret the meaning behind their purring.
Myth #5: Cats always land on their feet
Cats have an ability called the “righting reflex” that allows them to often land on their feet after a fall or when dropped. They are able to twist and reorient themselves in mid-air, increasing the chances of a safe landing. It is important to recognise that this reflex is not foolproof. Other factors like the cat’s physical condition, height of the fall, and time available to right themselves play a role. As pet owners, it is imperative that we take precautions to prevent accidental falls as our cats can still suffer injuries despite their remarkable ability.
Myth #6: Cats can see in complete darkness
Cats do have an excellent night vision, much better than humans, that enables them to see in low-light and near-dark conditions. But they do not possess the ability to see in pitch-black darkness. They still need to rely on some degree of ambient light for their eyes to work. So, when there is absolutely no light, cats are as blind as humans.
In conclusion, it is vital to separate fact from fiction when it comes to our feline friends. Dispelling these common myths helps us to better appreciate and care for them. By understanding their needs and behaviours more accurately, we can build a stronger and healthier relationship with our beloved pets!
