Debunking common cat myths

With cats being the mysterious creatures they are, a number of myths have sprung up around them. Some are ridiculous - such as a cat being able to suck the breath from a baby. Cats do not have any mystical ability to suck away a baby's breath; this is nothing more than an old wives tale, stemming from the longtime belief that cats were symbols of evil.

During the 13th and 14th century it was believed a cat could suck the soul out of a baby. Their associations with witches and vampires reinforced a notion of a cat as mysterious beings with the potential to suck life force out of the most innocent and pure.

The fact is, cats are not only curious, but they seek warmth and comfort. So curling up with an infant in a crib satisfies all of those needs. However, it is never good practice to leave any pet alone unsupervised with a baby.

There are some things that everybody knows about cats, such as they purr when they're happy. But you might be surprised to learn that many of the "facts" you know about your furry friend are actually untrue. Cats may also purr when they're anxious or uncomfortable. Felines sometimes purr to comfort themselves when they are hurt or frightened. Still, most of the time, a purring cat is telling you that she is content.

Do you really know fact from fiction about your furry friend? Here are a few common cat myths debunked:

One common myth is that most people think that cats always land on their feet after a fall. This is perhaps one of the most widely known and dangerous mistruths regarding cats. Unfortunately, kids have tried to prove that it is true.

And it's not.

Yes, cats are very athletic and agile animals, and they have a unique ability to twist themselves around in midair to correct their position during a fall. However, if a cat is surprised, sick, disoriented or injured, she is unlikely to be able to adjust her position to land feet-first. And of course if any cat falls from a great height, regardless if they land on their feet, the force of the fall will cause serious injury.

Another common myth is that cats dislike water. While most cats become distressed when given a bath, many find running water fascinating and spend time pawing at dripping faucets. And one breed, the Turkish Van, is nicknamed "the swimming cat" for its swimming ability and love of all things wet!

And what about the myth that cats can't be trained? According to the ASPCA in New York City, a cat was taught to turn pages of a book and to toss a ball. Contrary to popular belief, cats are trainable. You can teach your cat tricks, all you need is a clicker, treats and lots of praise. You can even train them to compete in agility tournaments. Check out www.

catagility.com.

Another commonly held misconception is that milk is good for cats. The fact is that many cats are lactose-intolerant because they lack the enzyme lactase, which aids in digesting lactose. Giving them a warm saucer of milk will likely cause your furry friend to have diarrhea. If you need to feed an orphaned kitten, always use specially prepared formula from your veterinarian.

One popular myth is that all cats hate dogs. Many felines live peacefully and harmoniously in the same household with a dog. In fact, some cats will curl up to sleep with the family dog. Certainly, there are some cats that do not like dogs, and others simply tolerate their presence, but, in most cases, if Kitty is introduced to Fido correctly, and given time to adjust to the new situation, she will come to accept him as part of the household.

Cats have had a bumpy ride throughout history and have often been maligned; however, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are around 74 million house cats compared to around 70 million dogs. This popularity is helped by the fact that cats are simultaneously affectionate and self-reliant. They need virtually no training, they groom themselves, and they can be left alone without pining for their pet parents. And they still greet us with affection when we get home.