Cat myths vs facts
Many things people "know" about cats are wrong: adult cats do not need milk, purring does not always mean happiness, a cat does not benefit from having one litter before spaying, and pregnancy is not a reason to give up a cat. Here are ten common myths, each checked against veterinary or welfare sources.
Myth: Cats need a saucer of milk.
Fact: Many cats are lactose intolerant and can get diarrhea or stomach upset from dairy. After weaning, water is all a cat needs to drink.
Myth: A purring cat is always a happy cat.
Fact: Cats also purr when stressed, such as at the vet, and sometimes when in pain. Judge a purr by the rest of the body language.
Myth: A female cat should have one litter before being spayed.
Fact: Cats Protection states it is not beneficial for a cat to have a season or "just one litter" before spaying. Kittens can be safely neutered before six months of age.
Myth: You have to get rid of your cat if you are pregnant.
Fact: The risk of toxoplasmosis from a pet cat can be managed. The CDC advises having someone else change the litter if possible, otherwise wearing gloves and washing hands afterwards, and changing the litter daily, because the parasite takes 1 to 5 days to become infectious after it is shed.
Myth: Indoor cats do not need vaccines.
Fact: The AAHA/AAFP guidelines recommend core vaccines for all pet cats. Indoor cats can still be exposed, for example through escapes, boarding, vet visits or viruses carried in on people.
Myth: A little bit of lily will not hurt.
Fact: For true lilies and daylilies, licking a few pollen grains off the fur or drinking vase water can cause fatal kidney failure, according to the US FDA. Keep them out of homes with cats.
Myth: Cats can thrive on a vegetarian diet like people can.
Fact: Cats are obligate carnivores that rely on nutrients found only in animal products, such as taurine.
Myth: A small dose of dog flea treatment is fine for a cat.
Fact: Many dog spot on products contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats and can cause seizures and death. Use only products made for cats.
Myth: An old cat slowing down is just old age.
Fact: Arthritis is common in older cats and often missed. Reluctance to jump, stiffness and grooming less are signs of pain that can be treated.
Myth: Cats are aloof and do not communicate with people.
Fact: Cats use subtle signals. A 2020 study in Scientific Reports found cats were more likely to narrow their eyes and approach an unfamiliar person who slow blinked at them. See why cats slow blink.
Quick answers
Is it true that cats need milk?
No. Many cats are lactose intolerant and dairy can cause diarrhea. Adult cats only need water.
Is it true that purring means a cat is happy?
Not always. Cats purr when content, but also when stressed or in pain, so look at the whole body language.
Is it true that a cat should have one litter before spaying?
No. Cats Protection states there is no benefit to a cat having a season or one litter before being spayed.
Is it true that pregnant women must give up their cats?
No. Following CDC advice (someone else cleans the litter, or gloves and handwashing, and daily litter changes) manages the toxoplasmosis risk.
Is it true that indoor cats do not need vaccines?
No. AAHA/AAFP guidelines recommend core vaccines for all pet cats, including indoor cats.
Sources
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Feeding Your Cat
- Cats Protection: Cat body language
- Cats Protection: Neutering, family planning for felines (PDF)
- CDC: Preventing Toxoplasmosis
- AAHA/AAFP 2020 Feline Vaccination Guidelines: Core vaccines for pet cats
- US FDA: Lovely Lilies and Curious Cats: A Dangerous Combination
- International Cat Care: Permethrin poisoning
- International Cat Care: Arthritis in cats
- Humphrey T. et al. (2020) The role of cat eye narrowing movements in cat to human communication. Scientific Reports
General education, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your cat, contact your veterinarian; in an emergency, go to the nearest emergency vet.