Cats 101 - Cat Myths

The domestic cat might possibly have the most misunderstood reputation in the animal kingdom. Old wives tales and superstitions have long been associated with cats and most have been unproven. A cat's physical characteristics and disposition also lend themselves well to tall tales and myths about the cat's physical prowess. Despite all of this, the cat remains the country's most popular and adoptable pet.

So, just how many of these myths do you believe?

Fact or Fiction: Cats always land on their feet.
Thanks to a flexible musculoskeletal system, cats will most likely be able to orient themselves in a way that allows them to typically land on four paws. However, it is a myth that cats always land on four limbs. Depending on the height, a cat may not have enough time to correct his position. Also, with the growing trend of condo and high-rise living, cats are more susceptible to falling out of windows and balconies. This increase in cat injury has been labeled "High-rise Syndrome" by veterinarians who have seen an increase in trauma from falls.

Fact or Fiction: Siamese cats have a naturally mean disposition.
In Ancient Siam, the Siamese cat was considered sacred, and only Buddhist monks and the royal family were allowed to have the breed. So, how is it that a cat once so highly-regarded has earned the reputation of being mean or sneaky? The answer may lie in the innocent Disney film, Lady and the Tramp where two Siamese cats come to housesit and wreck all sorts of havoc, including trying to steal the baby's milk. A relatively unique breed, this less than flattering portrayal of Siamese may have left a lasting impression on those unfamiliar with the breed. In reality, Siamese are one of the most lovable and faithful felines. They will often follow their owner from room to room and can be quite vocal when left alone. They are considered highly-intelligent and extremely playful.

Fact or Fiction: Oriental cats can play fetch just as well as any dog.
Due to a high intelligence, Orientals can learn their name at a very young age and come when called. They will often play fetch with you and retrieve toys, much like a dog. An extremely vocal breed, many Orientals will "talk" to you and try to carry on a conversation.

Fact or Fiction: Cats can suck the breath from a baby's mouth; sometimes killing them.
According to snopes.com, the idea that a cat can suck the breath of a baby is a misguided notion. Cat's just don't do that. It is said that the milk on the infant's breath draws the feline in but anyone who has been around housecats knows the average cat doesn't care much for milk. Given the choice, cats typically head for plain water after they've been weaned from milk as kittens. This legend is a fatuous piece of lore but it turns up so often that it's unfortunate this legend is still widely believed.

Fact or Fiction: Rubbing butter on your cat's paws will stop it from roaming or getting lost.
We're unsure where this myth originated but if you try putting butter on your cat's paws, you're likely to only end up with greasy furniture. If you're concerned about your cat roaming or getting lost, consider micro-chipping or add screens to your porch and windows.

Fact or Fiction: Cats have a blindspot right under their nose.
Cats have a blind spot, right under their nose. For this reason, they can't find tidbits on the floor.

Fact or Fiction: Some cat litter is radioactive.
No cat litter has ever been found to be radioactive. This tale is fairly new with its origins beginning in Berkeley, Calif. thanks to one cat's used litter setting off alarms at the dump. According to Snopes.com, the story was discussed in an internet message board and picked up by NBC Nightly News who mistakenly reported that scientists had discovered that some cat litter is radioactive.

Fact or Fiction: All calico cats are female.
While the vast majority of calico cats are female, there is the occasional male. However, virtually all of these males are sterile. These cats are known as Kleinfelter males.

Fact or Fiction: Putting a bell on a cat's collar will stop it from catching mice.
This theory has been around for hundreds of years. In fact, there is new research to indicate that cats who have had bells put on their collars are better at catching prey. This is because they learn to move without the bell making a sound and therefore they are stealthier.
Fact or Fiction: Cats have self-healing abilities.
Cats can purr between 25-50 hertz. At this frequency the vibrations have some self-healing benefits such as increasing bone density, healing fractures and relieving pain.

WOW, I scored 7 of 10, not bad for a dog lover