If you’re a cat owner, you know that cats are interesting and often mysterious creatures. Sometimes independent, sometimes eager for your attention, your feline friend can have many moods. Similarly, there are a multitude of different theories about cat care and behavior out there that can cause confusion. At Boulder’s Natural Animal, its our mission to not only provide you with the best veterinary care around, but also to give you the tools you need to be a better pet parent. In this post, we’ll examine a few of the most common cat myths and give you the real scoop. Read on and maybe you’ll learn something about your kitty that will surprise you.
Myth – You Should Give your Cat Milk
Truth – This myth has been around for a very long time, mostly due to the depiction of cats drinking milk in the media. The truth is, cats may like the taste of milk but the vast majority of felines are lactose intolerant. As a result drinking milk will cause an upset stomach and often, diarrhea. This particularly creates a problem for kittens, who dehydrate quickly and are thus more likely to suffer from complications of diarrhea. The best strategy in this case is not to give your cat milk at all. Cats need a lot of water on a daily basis. Keep at least one bowl of fresh, clean water in an easily accessible place for your cat at all times. Cats will be more encouraged to hydrate if the water is changed frequently.
Myth – Cats Always Land on Their Feet
Truth – While it’s true that cats are very agile creatures with a talent for being able to right themselves during a fall, there are no guarantees. Cats need enough time to flip over in mid-air so the fall must be from a considerable height. Additionally, if the cat isn’t expecting the fall they might need more time to recover from the surprise and take action. Even if the cat manages to turn himself into the upright position, he is still at risk of being injured from the height alone. It’s best to keep all windows securely shut and to take the necessary steps around your home to ensure that your kitty can’t get himself into a position where a fall is likely. Do this and you won’t have to hope that the conditions are correct for your cat to be able to protect himself.
Myth – Cats Always Gain Weight After they’re Spayed or Neutered
Truth – It is a common belief that spaying or neutering a cat will cause hormonal changes in your pet that will inevitably lead to weight gain. For this reason, some owners choose not to have the procedure done. But the truth is that spaying and neutering has no effect on weight gain. The misunderstanding often lies in the fact that many cats undergo the procedure around the time that their metabolism naturally slows. Thus, the misconception is that the surgery causes weight gain. In reality, cat owners can avoid unnecessary weight gain in their furry friend by ensuring that the proper amounts of food and exercise are a daily habit in their home. Failing to spay or neuter a cat can also lead to greater problems, such as unplanned and potentially dangerous pregnancies as well as unwanted litters. Another danger is that female cats who are not spayed have a high risk of developing mammary cancer and may also be at risk for developing ovarian and uteran cancers. All risks considered, appropriate planning and a strong understanding of your cat’s daily needs are a much better strategy for preventing weight gain.
Myth – Cats Love Seafood and Tuna is Good for Them
Truth – It is true that cats can eat seafood and they may enjoy the taste. The problem lies in the belief that eating seafood is a suitable substitute for your cat’s normal diet. Cat’s need a nutrient called taurine on a daily basis in order to support their optimal physical condition and prevent eye and heart problems. They also need an ample amount of vitamin E. Seafood does not contain adequate servings of either crucial component and thus is not a satisfactory replacement to cat food, which is fortified with all of the things they need to stay healthy and happy. If you’d like to give your cat seafood, it’s best to make it an infrequent treat. At BNA we like to think about it this way: our staff loves to eat cakes, but we know that we can’t get all of our daily nutrients from eating delectable baked goods. So we eat a balanced diet and reserve cakes for special occasions. If you treat your cat’s diet the same way he’ll be much happier and healthier in the long run.
Myth – Declawing Doesn’t Hurt a Cat
Truth – We’ve given you the lowdown on declawing in a previous post, but we feel strongly enough about this subject to discuss it again. During the declawing process, not only is the cat’s claw removed but also the first segment of each digit on the paw. To put it in perspective, declawing is similar to undergoing surgery to remove your fingernail and finger below the first knuckle. Not only is recovery from the surgery quite painful for your cat, but it can also cause long term difficulties including back problems and arthritis. We strongly recommend establishing a good regimen of keeping your cats claws trimmed to avoid scratched furniture and skin, and only advise declawing under extreme circumstances. Another alternative to declawing is Softpaws. These soft capsules slip right over your cat’s claws and provide a painless defense for your favorite armchair. For more information on cat declawing and alternatives, check out our previous post here.
We hope you’ve found this post on common cat myths interesting and informative. While understanding the nuances of the wiley feline may never be entirely possible, becoming better educated on the truth behind common cat myths will bring much happiness to you and your furry friend. You’ll receive your reward in the form of many purrs and affectionate nuzzles for a long time to come!
