As a doting cat parent, you’re probably familiar with some common cat myths. As a vet and a cat mum myself with a keen interest in cat health and behaviour, I’ll unpack some of the misconceptions about our feline fur babies.

Myth 1: Cats despise the water

While it’s true that many cats don’t love getting wet, not all cats hate the water. In fact, some cats are intrigued by water and will interact with it – whether that’s popping into the shower with mum or dad, dipping a paw in the water or even playing or fully submerging themselves in water.

However, there are a few reasons why cats may not enjoy the water including the disruption to their grooming habits, the shock of being submerged, or the weight of wet fur. Nonetheless, it’s important to empower your cat to explore water in non-threatening ways – whether that’s running water or leaving glasses of water around the house.

When it comes to bath time, some cats can learn to tolerate a bath with patience and training from a young age. But if your fur baby won’t have a bar of it, you can wipe down their coat with a warm, wet face wash to remove any dirt.

Myth 2: Cats are loners

While some cats are independent and comfortable in their own company, many cats are social creatures that thrive from companionship and interaction. Cats often form strong bonds with other cats, dogs and their human families and they can become bored and lonely when left alone for long periods of time.

So if you’re thinking about adopting a kitten or a cat, but you’re often out of the house, you might want to think about adopting two feline pets so they have each other for company and enrichment.

Myth 3: Cats always land on their feet

Cats have a unique reflex called the “righting reflex,” which helps them reorient their bodies during a fall. Despite this, it’s still possible for cats to become injured from a fall, and it happens more often than you’d think! According to PetSure, the power behind petinsurance.com.au, data shows the combined claim amount in 2022 for cats falling from a height was a whopping $322,000*.

To protect your cat from falls, try to prevent them from accessing high places around the home where they could be at risk of falling.

Myth 4: Cats can’t see in colour

Many people believe that cats see the world only in shades of grey. While it’s true that cats don’t see the full spectrum of colours as humans, they are not colour blind. Cats can see shades of blue and green with limited ability to see shades of red and orange. Funnily enough, this means that the red laser pointer that your cat chases after, does probably not appear red to your fur baby.

Myth 5: Cats are un-trainable

Some people believe that cats can’t be trained, but this is simply not true.

Cats are highly intelligent and capable of learning, so it is possible to train them. But to do so, you’ll need to discover what motivates your feline and accept that cats are not bred to be as eager to please as dogs.

Positive reinforcement such as treats and praise are often good motivators for cats, but you’ll need to find out what works for your cat based on their individual personality and traits. If you want to train your cat, start with simple tasks like training to remain calm while bathing or training them to enter the travel crate so they are prepared for your next vet visit.

So there you have it, five common cat myths debunked. Cats are amazing and intelligent creatures so understanding their unique behaviours will allow you to fully enjoy the journey of being a responsible cat parent.

References:

*PetSure claims data, 2022

Images: See the World from a Cat’s Eyes

Aerial Righting Reflexes in Flightless Animals

High-rise syndrome in cats and dogs

FAQs

FAQs

Do all cats hate water?

No. While many cats prefer to stay dry, not all cats dislike water. Some enjoy playing with running water, dipping their paws into bowls or even joining their owners in the shower. Every cat has its own preferences and personality.

Are cats really solitary animals?

Not always. While cats can be independent, many enjoy companionship and form strong bonds with humans, other cats and even dogs. Some cats may become bored or lonely if left alone for extended periods.

Do cats always land on their feet?

Cats have a natural “righting reflex” that helps them reorient themselves during a fall, but this does not guarantee they will avoid injury. Falls from windows, balconies and other heights can still result in serious injuries.

Can cats see colour?

Yes. Cats are not colourblind. Although they don’t see the full range of colours that humans do, they can distinguish certain shades, particularly blues and greens.

Can cats be trained?

Absolutely. Cats are intelligent animals capable of learning behaviours and commands through positive reinforcement. Treats, praise and patience can help encourage desired behaviours and training success.

Why do cats seem more independent than dogs?

Cats were domesticated differently from dogs and tend to be more self-sufficient. However, many cats still seek affection, attention and interaction from their owners.

Is it true that cats don’t need as much attention as dogs?

Cats may require less direct supervision than some dogs, but they still need daily interaction, mental stimulation, playtime and enrichment to support their health and wellbeing.

How can I keep my indoor cat mentally stimulated?

Puzzle feeders, climbing towers, scratching posts, interactive toys, training sessions and play activities can help keep indoor cats physically active and mentally engaged.