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The world of cat lovers, particularly those who frequent the Internet, abounds with myths and misconceptions about cats. This list addresses the most common of those myths and states the true facts about each misconception. Myth: Pregnant women can't have cats. Fact: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease that can cause birth defects if contracted by the mother during pregnancy. It is found in soil outdoors, and also in raw or undercooked meat (the most likely source of contact.) It can also be found in cat litter boxes if the cat has been exposed. The truth is that you absolutely don't have to get rid of the cat. Myth: Female cats need a litter before spaying. Fact: A cat can suffer more harm through pregnancy than she can by being spayed. The truth is that some people just want kittens, and will use any excuse. Spaying will prevent uterine cancer, and help prevent mammary cancer, ovarian cysts, as well as complications of pregnancy, including stillbirth and malformed kittens. Need I even mention the overwhelming cat overpopulation problem? Myth: Neutered male cats have more UTIs. Fact: Although one study found that castrated cats did not increase the chance of UTIs, a Winn Feline Foundation study found the greatest risk for certain uroliths (crystals)is the 10 to 15 year old neutered male cat. When measured against the risks of leaving male cats whole, neutering is the better choice. Myth: Cats are unhappy kept indoors. Fact: While an older cat who has been outdoors for years might be unhappy at being kept inside, cats that grow up indoors, even in apartments, can be very happy, as long as they are provided with pleny of toys and climbing towers for exercise. There are also a number of safe compromises for those times when you (or your cat) want him outdoors. Myth: Declawing is like trimming nails. Fact: Declawing is actually the surgical amputation of the first joint of each toe of the cat, a procedure which is viewed as mutilation by advocates. Myth: Cats are low maintenance pets and can take care of themselves. Fact: Cats' aura of independence fools some people into thinking they need only minimal care. The truth is that the average age of stray cats and ferals is three years; which should be adequate proof against this myth. When we domesticated cats thousands of years ago, we assumed the responsibility of adequately caring for their needs. Myth: Cats don't need vaccinations. Fact: Vaccines are necessary to protect your cat from infectious diseases, like feline aids and leukimeia. They are especially needed if your cat is allowed to go outdoors, but are also needed for indoor only cats because you can track such diseases into your home from other neighborhood cats. Myth: Cats can thrive on a vegan diet. Fact: Some people who choose a vegan lifestyle also subject their cats to a meatless diet. By and large, veterinarians disagree, because cats are obligate carnivores and need animal tissue, e.g. meat, to meet their dietary needs. Myth: Cats are cold and aloof, therefore not good pets. Fact: Cats can and do share deep bonds with their human families, which is why most of us consider them family members, as opposed to just "pets." Cats do not exclude non-family members from their circle either, as witness the many therapy cats that give love and comfort to patients in hospitals, and convalescent homes. Cats are indeed very loving creatures! Myth: Cats and dogs are arch-enemies. Fact: Cats are capable of affectionate relationships with dogs as well as other family pets. |
