Cat Psychologist Busts Common Myths About Cats And They Will Change Your Relationship With Your Cat

Mythbusting: cat fact edition

Rachel

• Published in Animals
• June 16, 2021

Cats are very mysterious creatures! Sometimes it can be difficult to tell what they actually want.

Like, do they actually love me and want to hang out with me or are they just using me for food and it is a coincidence they've ended up sitting on my lap? Such are the dilemmas of a cat lover!

Tatiana Kulikova is an expert in zoopsychology, and she often helps pet owners better understand their beloved pets. Part of her job is to try and correct a pet's behaviour and teach its owners the reasons why it might be behaving in a certain way.

This leads us to cat facts! Read on to discover the truth about these common cat myths.

Myth: Cats are inherently mean and plot revenge on their owners.

The truth: cats are still a little wild and sometimes their natural instincts kick in! Sometimes cats can be a bit rude or cheeky, but it doesn't mean they're inherently bad--remember, cats don't understand morality!

They're just doing what they want!

Myth: Cats are non-social animals.

The truth: Cats have been studied and found often work together and unite in the wild. Even domestic cats, sometimes get lonely and need a companion.

But cats often like their alone time, just like we do!

Myth: If a cat pees on a person's things, they do not like this person.

The truth: sometimes cats pee on their owners belongings if they think their owner is mad at them--they see it as a sign of peace (I, however, do not!). In nature cats sometimes pee in the same place as another cat to form a common smell and unite.

Although, it can feel pretty personal (speaking from experience!!)

Myth: Cat scratches the furniture intentionally.

The truth: cats scratch things to mark their territory, release tension, and sharpen their claws. Try getting a couple of different varieties of scratching posts before getting too mad.

Myth: Cats don't need to be trained.

The truth: while not as intense as dogs, cats still require some level of training.

Myth: Cats can entertain themselves.

The truth: Cats need to be played with and require attention as well. While they are more independent than dogs, they still need just as much love and playtime!

Myth: If a cat is aggressive they are trying to dominate you and you should prove who is boss.

The truth: you should never be aggressive with your cat! They don't understand punishment, as humans do, and may end up becoming more aggressive or mean as a result of how you treat them.

Cats can be aggressive for hormonal reasons, or, sometimes they are just trying to be playful.

Myth: cats only get sick if they go outside.

The truth: cats can get sick wherever they are. Cats can get bacterial infections and viruses from many places.

Myth: cats always land on their feet.

The truth: cats do have the ability to roll-mid air to try and land on their feet, but it doesn't always work and cats can still get injured.

Myth: cats heal themselves by licking their wounds and eating grass.

The truth: these myths come from the days before vets--cats definitely need proper medical attention if they get too poorly as they can get infections from licking their wounds. Eating grass does help with hairballs, though.

Myth: cats aren't attached to people, they are attached to houses.

The truth: cats do get attached to their houses--they feel safe there and do not always cope well with change, particularly in environmental changes. But, cats also love their owners, too, it just depends on the cat and the kind of bond you can create with them.

Myth: dogs and cats are enemies!

The truth: do you get along with everyone? Probably not--and our pets are the same!

Cats and dogs can become friends (it depends on how they are raised and the personality of the pet), just like cats can be friends with other cats. But, like people, some cats prefer to be left alone!

Myth: cats drink milk.

The truth: some cats are lactose intolerant, just like people!

Cats coming online to defend themselves like:

What do you think of these? Did you learn anything new? Tell us in the comments.

Find more from Tatiana on Instagram here, or her blog here.

Rachel