With so much information out there, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction when it comes to pet behavior, their thinking, needs, and habits. We’ve debunked some of the most common myths out there, keep reading…According to a survey by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center, more than half of Russian families have a cat. Yet, there are plenty of myths and misconceptions about these four-legged creatures. Distinguished experts, veterinary specialist Yulia Minaeva and zoopsychologist Daria Polyanskaya, help us identify which cat-related myths are true and which are simply harming our feline friends.
Myth 1: Cats and Milk Myth–Can cats drink milk?
The truth is that cow’s milk is difficult for cats to digest and therefore should not be offered to cats—or to dogs or even to people for that matter.
Goat’s milk is more digestible for cats, but only up to about two months of age. Older animals lose the ability to process lactose and can suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, similar to humans with dairy protein intolerance. Cats do not need milk, and by giving it to them, we occupy the essential nutrient space their body truly needs. If you really want to treat your cat to a dairy-like product, opt for sour dairy foods (like a teaspoon of sour cream) or go for specialized milk treats from pet stores, such as cat-friendly “ice cream” or condensed milk for cats.
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Myth 2: Cats Can Be Fed “Human” Food Strictly speaking, there’s no such thing as “human” food—what we really mean is “human-prepared” food through cooking processes.
Such preparation kills germs but also destroys many nutrients. Boiled meat is nearly useless for cats unless it’s supplemented with vitamins. Raw meat is a better option, and it can be conveniently portioned and frozen, then thawed gradually as needed. However, always purchase meat from reliable sources, as it may contain substances harmless to humans but dangerous to animals. Recall a case in the Leningrad region where pets were massively poisoned by pork. Grains and vegetables can be fed to cats in limited amounts. Fried, salty, spicy foods (like chips and sausages) are definitely not recommended for cats. It can lead to digestive issues, liver diseases, and often metabolic disorders.
Myth 3: Indoor Cats Don’t Need Vaccines Vaccination is a must for all cats, regardless of whether they go outside, because vaccinations create immunity, protecting their lives.
Pet owners can carry germs home from outside, and not everyone sanitizes from head to toe upon returning home. Humans carry many microbes, some harmful, and can transmit them to pets—but significant close contact is generally required. If you are sick and worried about passing something to your pet, disinfect your hands, wear a mask (also treated with disinfectant), and don gloves, especially with infectious diseases like ringworm, which can be transmitted from pets to humans as well.
Myth 4: Cats Don’t Need Baths Because They Self-Clean Even if a cat doesn’t go outside, it still needs baths. Self-grooming with their tongue only removes surface dust and dirt.
Cats can’t physically clean their undercoat and skin. In the wild, cats shed more often and more actively due to seasonal changes, rain, and wind which lift their fur and let their skin “breathe,” naturally cleansing it. At home, the temperature remains consistent, and the layer of fat on their skin doesn’t renew until the old one is washed off. Thus, a cat should be bathed every three to four months.
Myth 5: Cats Can “Seek Revenge” on Their Owners Revenge involves deliberate harm inflicted out of spite.
Humans unfairly attribute this behavior to cats when they toilet in inappropriate places, scratch wallpapers, or otherwise act out in what seems like retaliation. It is our projection of human qualities onto pets that leads to this misinterpretation. Cats cannot “seek revenge”; they lack abstract thinking and the ability to concoct and execute planned responses to human actions. Cats act on simple logical patterns and respond directly to stimuli. There’s always a reason behind a cat’s behavior. By attributing it to revenge, we shift the blame onto the animal and ignore the root causes, thus exacerbating the problem. Sometimes, understanding the cat’s responses to specific situations can solve these issues. Other times, complex behaviors may need professional behavioral assistance. Often, these issues stem from the cat’s health, environment, or its interactions with other animals or humans.
Myth 6: Cats Need to Roam Outside The saying “a cat walks by itself” does not mean cats need to roam; it’s a nod to their independent nature.
Free-roaming outdoors is risky, with thousands of cats dying from traffic, fights, or dog attacks. As someone who has led a cat rescue project for years, I’ve seen countless stories that demonstrate the dangers of allowing free-roaming. Walking a cat with a harness is also risky and not recommended without thorough preparation: vaccinate the pet, treat for parasites, and choose a sturdy harness. Ensure the harness is anatomically correct to prevent the cat from escaping. Introduce the cat to the harness gradually. However, for a cat’s safety, living indoors is far preferable. Stimulating activities, such as engaging games, enrich a cat’s environment and provide a safer alternative to roaming outside, preserving its life, health, and cognitive functions.
Myth 7: Safety Grilles on Windows are Unnecessary for Calm Cats In homes with cats, window safety is crucial.
Cats cannot grasp the danger posed by an open window and may jump at an enticing object outside or lose balance and fall. Vertical window ventilation is also risky. Jumping into the window’s gap can trap pets, often resulting in serious injuries or loss of mobility in the rear limbs even with veterinary care. There are sturdy grilles (not mosquito nets!) that can handle significant weight and are installed without drilling, ensuring safety for feline residents.
Myth 8: Cats Can Stare for Hours Because They See Things Invisible to Humans.
Like ghosts, cats often enchant us by staring into what appears to be the void, but there’s no mysticism involved. Cats have sharper hearing and sight than humans. They notice sounds from the streets, the neighbors, invisibly small particles, or might even be “zoning out.” Rest assured, your home isn’t populated by any supernatural entities.
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