Cats are often negatively judged as selfish, cold, and hyper-independent. However, you would be surprised to find out that most of the things you believe about cats are just myths.

Cats are widely loved and adopted as pets and are often viewed as wild-natured and mysterious creatures. However, numerous myths and misconceptions about these beloved felines have been making rounds for centuries, resulting in widespread confusion about their true nature. Whether you love them or hate them, get the facts right! Keep scrolling to explore seven common misconceptions about cats to understand your fur baby better.

Myth 1: They are solitary creatures and love to be left alone

As opposed to popular belief, cats are not unsocial solitary animals. They are very social and often develop deep connections with other pets and their owners. By nature, felines are solitary creatures, and most wild cats live alone, but domestic cats love their human companions just as much as dogs do.

Myth 2: Cats cannot be trained.

It is a lie! Cats can be trained, and you have likely watched plenty of videos on various social media platforms where cats can be seen performing tricks. If you inculcate good habits in them and are patient, you can train your cats to do a wide range of activities.

Myth 3: They can see vividly in the dark

While it is true that cats can see in dim-lit conditions and have brilliant night vision, they cannot see in absolute darkness. In pitch-dark conditions, cats use their other senses—hearing and touch—to navigate their surroundings.

Myth 4: When cats fall, they always land on their feet

In most cases, when falling from a height, cats do land on their feet. This is due to their ‘righting reflex’, which allows them to rapidly twist around in the air while falling. Cats are gifted with a very flexible backbone, which enables them to turn their body instantly. But unfortunately, they don’t always succeed at it.

Therefore, it is best to keep your door and windows shut and guard your balconies with mesh, to prevent your feline baby from falling.

Myth 5: Cats don’t need exercise

This myth has caused many cats to become obese. Cat parents often think that their fur babies do not require exercise in any form because by nature they are excellent climbers and hunters. But this isn’t true. Cats need plenty of space, just like dogs—to play and exercise because it is beneficial for their mental and physical health. Install a cat tree or tower so that your feline babies can climb, jump around and play.

Myth 6: Cats love milk

Contrary to popular belief, cats don’t like cow milk—and you don’t need to feed it. Providing a balanced diet to your kitty will help them get all the nutrients their body requires. In addition, cow milk will upset their stomach, because once weaned, they become lactose intolerant, and their digestive system loses the ability to make the enzyme that promotes the digestion of milk.

Myth 7: Cats are nocturnal

Cats are instinctively crepuscular and not nocturnal. It means that during dawn and dusk—they are most active—when they can enjoy plenty of hunting opportunities, and there is adequate light for them to see. Your house cat may have adjusted to your routine, but they cannot break free of this genetic predisposition.

Cats prefer to rest when they are alone at home and the surroundings are quiet and become more active and playful when their human companions arrive home. They sleep at night but wake up at least three to four times.

These fascinating creatures have captured our hearts, and millions of people around the world are adopting cats as pets. However, to be a better feline parent, it is critical to separate facts from myths—and understand their needs and behaviour. By negating these myths about cats, you can appreciate them better and develop a stronger bond.