Did you know that there are more pet cats in the United States than there are pet dogs? Despite their popularity — and perhaps thanks to their mysteriousness — cats are commonly misunderstood in ways that cause both social and physical problems for them. And I bet you might not be surprised to learn that many of their behaviors are falsely attributed to misconceptions.
Here are five common-but-false assumptions about felines — and the truth you should know instead.
Myth: Cats never get along with other cats.
Many cat lovers know that this is totally false — plenty of felines do enjoy the company of other cats. Adopters often take in multiple kittens from the same litter, for example, or rescue a bonded pair of adult shelter cats. If you're thinking of adding a second cat to your clan, consider your current cat's age and personality, and read up on how to make a proper introduction.
Myth: Cat litterbox issues are a behavioral problem that can't be fixed.
Before trying to train (or, worse, punish) away those litterbox problems, I always recommend that you start with a visit to your veterinarian. Failing to use the litterbox can be caused by stress, anxiety or an underlying medical issue. Once you get a clean bill of health from your vet, change things up a little and see if that helps — for example, your cat may prefer a different type of litter or you may need more litterboxes.
Myth: Every cat will always freak out at the vet's office.
Speaking of visits to the veterinarian, I know firsthand that this myth couldn't be further from the truth. Regular veterinary visits are critical for helping catch medical conditions in our cats, since felines are particularly good at hiding illness. Many clinics are moving toward fear-free protocols that use gentle handling, cat-specific waiting rooms and fun treats and toys to help make our cats less anxious at the vet — and it might just work for your kitty!
Myth: Cats scratch, because they are mean.
Your cat may lash out, because something is making him uncomfortable — like if you're holding or petting him in a way he doesn't enjoy, or if a hidden medical condition is causing him pain. If your cat scratches during play, especially if you're playing rough with your own hands, you might be sending mixed messages. Don't play rough with your hands, and if your cat does scratch, freeze in place so the "game" ends. And remember that scratching is natural to cats, so offer appropriate outlets like scratching posts and cat trees.
Myth: Cats entertain themselves and never need special playtime.
This is not true at all. In fact, cats can thrive when they're given time every day to play, interact and learn. Set aside a few minutes several times a day to play with your cat — he might enjoy batting at an exciting feather toy or climbing a kitty tower. And as I've seen plenty of times, some cats can even be taught to walk on a leash!
