Cats are fascinating, independent creatures, and their behaviour is often misunderstood.
Even experienced cat owners can fall for common myths about how cats act, why they do certain things, or what they need. Believing these misconceptions can affect how you care for your feline companion and interpret their actions.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources. Every cat is unique, and their behaviour may vary depending on personality, environment, and socialisation.
1. Cats Always Land On Their Feet
Felines possess an impressive ‘righting reflex’ that helps them orient themselves mid-fall, but this ability isn’t foolproof. Cats need sufficient height to complete their rotation.
Short falls can actually be more dangerous since cats don’t have enough time to position themselves properly. Even the most acrobatic cats can suffer serious injuries from falls.
Contrary to popular belief, high-rise syndrome occurs frequently in urban cats falling from apartment windows.
2. Cats Can Be Left Alone All Day Without Issue
Many assume their feline friend thrives in solitude, but extended isolation can trigger anxiety and depression in cats. Signs include excessive grooming, destructive behavior, and unusual vocalizations.
Social cats may become particularly distressed when left alone for long periods. Environmental enrichment like puzzle feeders, window perches, and rotating toys helps, but doesn’t replace human interaction.
Consider a pet sitter for check-ins during extended absences.
3. Cats Don’t Need To Be Trained
Unlike their canine counterparts, cats learn differently but are equally capable of training. Clicker training works wonderfully with most felines, reinforcing desired behaviors through positive association.
Teaching basic commands like ‘come’ can be lifesaving during emergencies. Regular training sessions strengthen your bond while providing mental stimulation.
The key difference? Cats respond to shorter training sessions and may require more patience than dogs.
4. Cats Always Prefer To Be Alone
Wild ancestors of domestic cats hunted solo, but today’s house cats often crave companionship. Studies reveal that many cats form secure attachments to their owners, similar to dogs and children.
Your cat’s head-butting and kneading behaviors aren’t just cute quirks. They’re social bonding mechanisms. Some breeds like Siamese and Ragdolls are particularly social.
Cats in multi-pet households frequently develop close friendships with other animals, sharing sleeping spots and grooming each other.
5. Cats Will Always Use The Litter Box
Sudden litter box avoidance often signals health problems rather than behavioral issues. Urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and digestive disorders can make using the box painful for cats.
Environmental factors matter tremendously. Cats may reject boxes placed near noisy appliances or in high-traffic areas.
The cleanliness standard is higher than most owners realize. Some cats refuse to use a box that’s been soiled even once, while multiple cats may require separate facilities.
6. Cats Are Low Maintenance
Behind that independent facade lies an animal with complex needs. Long-haired breeds require daily brushing to prevent painful mats, while all cats need regular dental care to prevent disease.
Mental stimulation is crucial, without it, behavioral problems emerge. Indoor cats particularly need enrichment through play, climbing opportunities, and novel experiences.
Preventative healthcare costs add up quickly, with senior cats often requiring bloodwork, dental procedures, and management of age-related conditions.
7. Cats Hate Water
Turkish Vans, nicknamed ‘swimming cats,’ naturally seek out water for play. Many domestic cats show fascination with running faucets, shower drips, or toilet bowls.
A cat’s aversion to water often stems from negative experiences or unfamiliarity rather than instinctual dislike. Gradual, positive introduction to water during kittenhood can create water-loving adults.
Wild big cats like tigers and jaguars regularly swim to hunt or cool down, suggesting water avoidance isn’t genetically hardwired in felines.
8. Cats Scratch Furniture Because They’re Mad At You
Scratching serves multiple biological functions unrelated to emotional revenge. Cats scratch to remove dead outer nail sheaths and mark territory with scent glands in their paws.
The vertical stretching motion during scratching maintains shoulder and back flexibility. Your sofa simply offers an ideal texture and stability for this natural behavior.
Providing appropriate alternatives with similar textures to your furniture, positioned in socially significant areas, redirects scratching to acceptable surfaces.
9. A Purring Cat Is Always Happy
Veterinarians frequently observe purring in cats experiencing severe pain or distress. This seemingly contradictory response may be self-soothing, similar to how humans might hum when nervous.
The vibration frequency of purring (25-150 Hz) can promote tissue healing and bone growth. Mother cats purr during labor to reduce pain.
Context matters, a cat purring while kneading your lap likely indicates contentment, while purring at the vet might signal stress or discomfort.
10. Declawing Is Just Like Nail Trimming
Declawing involves surgical amputation of the last bone of each toe, equivalent to removing human fingertips at the first knuckle. This permanently alters how cats walk and balance.
Studies show declawed cats have higher rates of back pain, aggression, and litter box avoidance. The procedure is banned in over 42 countries as animal cruelty.
Alternatives like regular trimming, soft nail caps, and appropriate scratching surfaces effectively protect furniture without causing harm.
11. Cats Don’t Need Regular Vet Visits
Cats masterfully hide illness until disease is advanced, an evolutionary trait from their wild ancestors. Annual wellness exams can detect subtle changes in weight, dental health, and organ function before symptoms appear.
Indoor-only cats still need vaccinations against diseases like rabies. Parasites like fleas can hitch rides indoors on humans.
Senior cats (7+ years) benefit from biannual checkups and bloodwork to catch age-related conditions like kidney disease and hyperthyroidism in early, treatable stages.
12. Cats Can’t Get Along With Other Pets
Proper introductions make all the difference when blending multi-species households. Gradual exposure through scent-swapping and controlled visual contact builds positive associations.
Some cats naturally form bonds with dogs, rabbits, and even birds. The Abyssinian breed, for example, frequently develops strong cross-species friendships.
Age matters significantly. Kittens introduced to other animals before 12 weeks typically adapt more readily than adult cats with established territorial boundaries.
