10 Cat Myths that don’t ring true

Whether it's advice from a friend, or just something that you've heard on the grapevine, there's so many myths about cats that could give you the wrong information. Here's 10 of our top cat myths debunked:

1. All Cats Hate Water:
Not true. Not true at all. Polly loves water; in fact, she would spend all of her time in the sink if allowed. Most cats are really curious about running water and will often approach it. Maybe swimming is a step too far, however.

2. Cats always use cat flaps
Not all cats require a cat flap. After always having one installed and both of my cats preferring to use the door like real humans, I can categorically confirm that not all cats require a cat flap. Needless to say, install one just in case!

3. Cats aren’t as attentive as dogs
Cats are inherently loving, however comparing them to dogs is irresponsible. Aside from having four legs and a tail, they are very different animals. Dogs and puppies are natural pack animals, whilst kittens are more independent, however that’s not to say that they don’t love a cuddle. 

4. Cats that live indoors never get sick
Living indoors is obviously safer than the big, bad world out there for your feline friend, however, keeping cats indoors is said to induce stress due to the mundane every day for your cat and often lead to inactivity. Giving them high surfaces to climb and wheels to have fun on can help (Twiglet certainly agrees!)

5. Flicking her tail means she’s happy
Not necessarily. Try harder. Typically, cats and kittens actually flick their tail when they are upset or quizzical. 

6. Exercise my cat? Doesn’t need it.
ALL cats need mental stimulation and physical exertion to thrive. There are plenty of games you can play with your feline friend to keep them active and at a stable and healthy weight.

7. My leftovers are fine for my kitty
Ever given your cat cheese? You’ve basically given them three chocolate bars. This doesn’t equate to a healthy nutritional substitute for food and can actually be very dangerous.

8. Cats always land on their feet
Cats do have excellent balance and rival many of the great acrobats, however that’s not to say that when falling they don’t do themselves harm. Depsite their body correcting their land so that by the time they arrive on ground, their feed are in a position to land first, many cat’s require a trip to the vets to treat broken bones which can often be expensive without pet insurance. 

9. Declawing cats is basically the same as a human manicure
Not quite. Declawing requires surgery to remove the first joint of each toe of the cat; have you got insurance to cover the costs?

10. Cats have nine lives.
Just please do not test this theory.