Cats cause so much admiration and curiosity for their skills and instinctive behaviors that have become protagonists of various myths. That they have seven lives, that they always fall on their feet, that they can not live with dogs, that they hurt pregnant women . There are many false statements about our pussycats.
To combat the damage and promote better knowledge about the felines and their true characteristics, invites you to know 10 false myths about cats that you should stop believing.
1. Cats have 7 lives: MYTH
Who has never heard the cats have 7 lives? Surely, this is the myth about cats most widespread around the world. Perhaps the legend is originated by the agility and ability of the felines to escape or avoid accidents and fatal blows. Or maybe it comes from some mythological story, who knows?
But the fact is that cats have only 1 life, just like us and all animals. In addition, they are delicate animals who need to receive adequate preventive medicine and specific care with their alimentación e hygiene to develop optimally. A feline raised in a negative environment can easily develop the symptoms associated with Stress.
2. Milk is a suitable food for cats: MYTH
Although lactose has gained a certain “bad reputation” in recent years, the image of the cat drinking the milk in its saucer still persists. Because of this, many people still question whether cats drink cow’s milk.
All mammals are born ready to take the breastmilk, and this is their best food while they are babies. But their body changes as they develop and acquire new nutritional needs and, consequently, different eating habits. During the lactation period (when they are breastfed by the mother), mammals produce a large amount of an enzyme called lactase, whose function is to digest just the lactose of breast milk. But when it reaches the period of weaning, the production of this enzyme progressively decreases, preparing the animal’s organism for the food transition (stop consuming breast milk and start feeding on its own).
Although some pigs may continue to produce a certain amount of the lactase enzyme, most adult males are allergic to lactose. The consumption of milk, for these animals, can lead to severe gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, it is a myth that milk is the right food for our cats. We can opt for commercial feed specially prepared to meet your nutritional needs, as well as increase your diet with homemade recipes for a natural diet.
3. Black cats bring bad luck: MYTH
This false claim derives from the remote times of the Middle Ages, when the black cat was associated with the practice of witchcraft. Besides being a detriment, it has very negative effects, since it is a reality that black cats are less adopted due to these mythical beliefs.
There are several arguments to show that this statement is a myth. In principle, luck would have nothing to do with a color or a pet. In addition, the color of a cat is determined by its genetic inheritance, which is also not related to good or bad luck. But the best way to verify the falsity of this mythical is adopting a black cat. Those who already had the opportunity to live with these kittens, know very well that their unique character brings many joys to our home, and no bad luck.
4. Cats always fall on their feet: MYTH
Although cats can fall on their feet many times, this is not a rule. In fact, cats own a Very flexible skeleton, which allows them to have excellent mobility and endure some falls. But many times, the position that an animal reaches the ground depends on the height from which it falls.
If the cat has time to turn over his own body before hitting the ground, he may fall down. However, any fall can represent a risk to your well-being, and falling on your feet does not guarantee that the animal will not be injured.
In addition, cats only develop this instinctive reflex of orientation called “enderezamiento“(Turn quickly on its own axis when falling), from its 3ª week of life. For this reason, falls are usually especially dangerous for baby cats, and should be avoided throughout the animal’s life.
5. Pregnant women should not have cats: MYTH
This unfortunate myth caused many cats to be abandoned, because their owner became pregnant. The origin of this statement would be in the supposed risk of transmission of a pathology called toxoplasmosis. In very brief terms, it is a disease caused by a parasite (the Toxoplasma gondii), whose main form of contamination happens from direct contact with feces of infected cats.
However, toxoplasmosis is, in fact, rare in domestic felines who consume commercial feed and have adequate preventive medicine. So, if a cat is not a carrier of the pathogenic parasite, there is no risk of transmission for a pregnant woman. In addition, if the woman already presents immunization relative to the toxoplasmosis parasite, has no chance of becoming infected.
To know more about the subject Toxoplasmosis and pregnant women, we recommend our article: “Is it bad to have cats during pregnancy?”
6. Cats can be educated alone: MYTH
While cats naturally develop many instinctive skills and behaviors characteristic of their species, it does not mean they can educate themselves. Actually, the training It is not only possible, but absolutely recommended for our cats. A Education Adequate help your kitten to adapt to home life, prevent it from escaping and develop aggressive behavior.
7. Cats are treacherous and do not care about their owners: MYTH
Betrayal has no relation to the behavior of a cat. The cats have an independent character and usually maintain lonely habits. This does not mean that a cat does not care about its owner or does not feel affection; certain characteristics are simply inherent in their nature. However, the domestication has changed (and continues to change) many aspects of the behavior of cats, incorporating good notions of cooperation and coexistence.
Nor is it fair to compare the character of a cat with that of a dog; they are different animals, with different life forms and etograms. The canines, learned to live in herds to ensure the survival of their species. This makes them recognize and respect the role of an “alpha”, that is, a leader. Already the cats, as well as their feline relatives, are prepared to hunt and survive on their own, and they usually avoid exposing themselves to unknown individuals and contexts to protect themselves.
8. Cats and dogs can not get along: MYTH
As we said, home life and proper early socialization can shape certain aspects of feline and canine behavior. If a cat is properly presented to a dog during (preferably while still a puppy, before its 8 first weeks of life), it will learn to see it as a friendly being.
9. Cats see in black and white: MYTH
Human eyes have 3 types of color receptor cells: blue cone cells, red cone cells and green cone cells. This explains why we are able to distinguish a huge number of colors and tones.
Cats and dogs do not have the red cone, so they become unable to perceive the shades of pink and red. They also have difficulty recognizing the intensity and saturation of colors. But it is false that cats see black and white, because distinguish shades of blue, green and yellow.
10. Cats need less care than dogs: MYTH
This statement is, in reality, quite dangerous. It is still common to hear that cats do not need adequate preventive medicine, thanks to the resistance of your body. Although they are really strong and independent animals, they can be very delicate.
Just like any other pet, they require care with its food, hygiene, vaccination, deworming, oral hygiene, physical activity, mental stimulation and socialization. So, it is a great myth that cats “give less work” than dogs: the dedication is in each of the owners, and not in the animal.
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