We have all pondered at some point because cats are so mystifying or if they really do have in fact nine lives! Certainly, these friends allow us to live and learn such stories from our daily life. With the furry creature where we think some facts or beliefs about cats are not law worthy. Let’s find out the truth behind cat myths. In a world where looks can often be deceiving, we wanted to dispel some of the most common misconceptions about our beloved cats. In this article, from the myth about their ever-landing feet to how they steal baby’s breath, we will reveal all these fascinating tales. Pick up your favorite cat and stay with us to get the answers you need about this mysterious creature.
Debunking The Top Cat Myths:
Myth No. 1: Cats Always Land On Their Feet
The fable of this legend seems to have been going on since cats in existence. And they supposedly always land upon their feet after falling from a considerable height. Yes, cats are definitely agile, and their reflexes are generally good that it almost appears they can never be hurt when jumping from a height. However, cats do possess a distinctive instinctive reflex called the “righting reflex”. This enables them to reposition themselves and land on their feet in mid-air by twisting their bodies. This reflex has been a remarkable evolution at work to help cats survive falls from great heights. However, it does not guarantee that they will land on their feet every time.
In reality, cats can misjudge distances, lose their balance, or encounter other factors that may affect their ability to land safely. The height of the fall is a factor in ability to execute the righting reflex. Thus, great heights can be safer for cats. Since cats have more time to right themselves, they are much better at surviving falls from really tall buildings.
That being said, we need to realize that not every fall is going to be a survivable one. And the agility of cats can only go so far before inevitable injury or death occurs. Cats also spontaneously die from falling off high-rise buildings, so caution must be taken in inaccessible areas. Residents can help prevent falls and injury by providing secure window screens, keeping balcony doors closed, supervising outdoor activities.
Cats may appear gravity-defying in real life. Even though they have impressive acrobatics, cats can get into accidents and injuries just like us. So, as a responsible cat owner the need to take safety precautions becomes increasingly relevant. Awareness of the limitations of the righting reflex and some measures against injuries can keep our cats safe. So that they live long years with happiness.
Cat Myths No. 2: They Can See in the Dark
One of the most popular cat related myths is that cats can see in complete darkness. Indeed, cats have better night vision than humans do. But that ability extends to being able to see in very low light conditions. And they cannot actually see while it is dark. Cats are crepuscular beings, functioning well in low levels of light. Such as those occasions around dawn or dusk when other animals begin to wind down. They’re also night-vision suited, due to different anatomical features which allow them to see in the dark environment where they live.
Rod cells are photoreceptor cells located in the retina and are specialized for low levels of light compared to cone cell. Domestic cats have up to 25 rods per one square area where humans only have about five. In addition, cats have specialized cells in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum. Which is a reflective layer behind the retina that reflects light back through it and increases its sensitivity to dim light. It is this reflective layer that makes a cat’s eyes seem to shine in the dark when exposed light.
Cats can see surprisingly well in low light levels. However, they still require some degree of ambient lighting to be able to clearly visualize their environment. Cats have limited vision in total darkness, so they depend even more on navigation by sound and paw touch. Even in low light, their vision might be somewhat blurry or lower detailed than they would see under daylight conditions.
Understanding the limitations of cats’ night vision might derail the idea, they have super powers of seeing perfectly well in shadowy dark nights. Despite their superior night vision as compared to humans, cats still need a little bit of light in order to navigate and see more clearly. Encourage your cats to be more comfortable during nighttime hours by providing dim lighting or nightlights in areas where they like to spend the most time.
Myth No. 3: Cats Purr When They Are Happy
One of the most common and recurring cat myths is that cats use purring as an expression of contentment or to show their happiness. Although cats frequently purr when they are feeling relaxed and content, there is a lot more to it than that. In fact, the purpose behind this mysterious hum may actually be quite extensive.
While purring is an obvious indication of contentment in cats. They also can purr for numerous other reasons including self-soothing and communication along with helping both themselves and others heal! Some cats purr when they are stressed, anxious or in pain to help soothe themselves and ease their discomfort. During purring, cats release endorphins – neurotransmitters in the brain that work as natural painkillers. This helps them manage different stressful situations or injuries.
Most importantly, cats interpret purring as a form of communication, in terms of conveying different messages to both humans and other animals. A purring cat can make several different sounds to direct its owner. It may beg for attention or show that he is satisfied in their social interactions. His presence communicates a decrease in stress and tension. Occasionally, mothers purr to their kittens (a form of communication presumed to encourage the bond between them), or even human family members may view it as a sign they are doing something right!
Cat Myths No. 4: Cats Are Independent and Aloof
One of the biggest cat stigmas is that they are distant, aloof and independent animals who enjoy solitude. Though it is somewhat accurate that cats prefer to be alone more than compared to other pets. This does not mean they are uninterested in human companionship.
Actually plenty of cats really enjoy social time with their humans. These cute little buggers might start to beg for your affection. And some people have even reported having their cats sitting on their lap. But the truth is that some cats quite like being held or cuddled contrary to popular belief, most felines are not aloof and standoffish!
Myth No. 5: Cats Hate Water
There is a widespread misconception that all cats hate water. Not every cat hate water, although most seem allergic. The catch is that variation in how cats respond to water comes down to a mixture of breed predispositions, exposures when young and personality. Maine Coons and Turkish Vans are also highly affective of water. Maine Coon cats often enjoy swimming once you show them how! Additionally, positive early exposure to water like slow and gentle bathing as a kitten can result in cats being more willing to accept situations that are related with water as they grow up. On the other hand, being subjected to water for example in case of an involuntary bath or else scary circumstances can certainly make your cat hate water.
That said, it is important to note that all cats have an individual personality. There are a few who definitively love water across the board. Keep in mind that, although some cats may like water or drinking from the faucet and enjoy playing with it. While others prefer to drink standing by. Understanding and respecting individual cats’ preferences regarding water ensure their comfort and well-being. That allows tailored care and a positive living environment.
Cat Myths No. 6: Cats Disappear with Babies’ Breath
Cats stealing baby’s breath, this myth suggests that cats will steal the breath from babies. There is no basis for the idea that cats can steal infants’ breath or cause any harm to a baby by sleeping with it. This myth probably stemmed from superstitious myths and paranoia over cats. Since they have been shrouded in mystery for so many years.
Cats are at low risk for causing danger to babies. No documented cases in catastrophic ways have occurred between cats and human infants. Newborn curiosities and visiting a crib are all about warmth, the unknown smells of newborn humans but there is no danger to health or safety involved.
After all, keeping both your cats and baby safe is a common duty of every responsible parent. Which means you need to be supervising socially awkward cat-baby sessions once in a while and taking the necessary measures for setting out good sleep foundations. This includes not allowing an unsupervised cat near something as unsafe for a sleeping baby like her crib.
The bottom line is that the idea of cats stealing infants’ breath is a superstition, not fact. Proper steps taken by parents who have earned the knowledge of how they can allow their cats to coexist peacefully in a safe environment, alongside newborns with appropriate measures being incorporated.
Cat Myth No. 7: Cats Actually Have Nine Lives
The myth that cats have nine lives is incredibly popular. And this has been a product of the human imagination for centuries. It may sound nice, but the truth is that in reality cats are only born with one life just like any other living being. Where exactly this myth is from, it cannot be stated for sure. However, the most likely place where it originated from are observations over time of how agile and precise cats’ movements can be and, at times, their ability to survive in a potentially dangerous situation.
Even if we are talking about a super powerful cat (as they have amazing abilities), they can still be vulnerable to accidents, illnesses and injuries like any other living being! Though they may seem to have death-defying lives, admittedly sometimes escaping fatal accidents unscathed – but this is not because cats actually have multiple cat-lives.
Belief that cats had 9 lives was more of a symbolic emphasis on cat abilities to bounce back from hardships. This might be part of why the myth has managed to persist for so long-because cats really do seem to have an uncanny ability of extricating themselves from tough situations and hopping back up after a setback.
Debunking cat myths unveils the rich tapestry of our feline friends. Truth is not something we like to hear and even when a belief has some truth element. The most of its are or mistaken beliefs or superstitions. Digging into the truth of these myths helps us to better understand and help our cats. When we accept the truth about cats, it helps us develop stronger relationships with our feline friends and ensure that these beloved family members receive optimal care.
