Five Cat Myths, Debunked
Cats have been the subject of our reverence and adoration for millennia, yet we humans still have a tough time deciphering their unique wants and needs. It is up to us as pet parents to put the research into understanding our kitties’ well being, which includes rethinking popular cat stereotypes. Did you believe in any of these feline fables?
#1- “Cats are low-maintenance pets that can take care of themselves.”
The notion that house cats are completely independent and low-maintenance is, as any cat owner knows, simply untrue. Cats are social animals who enjoy companionship. After all, the ancestors of our furry friends lived and evolved alongside humanity, keeping grain stores free of mice since the agricultural revolution. They are intelligent, loving, and even recognize human body language! Although felines are not pack animals like canines, International Cat Care explains that cat social hierarchies are complex and nuanced. Like dogs, they have the ability to adapt to social groups. Cats also form bonds with their humans and can become bored or restless without any social interaction.
Many cat owners will leave their pets home alone for extended periods of time under the assumption that cats simply take care of themselves. While cats are independent animals, they depend on us to feed and take care of them, as well as provide social and physical interaction. It is not advisable to leave a cat alone for more than 24 hours.
#2- “You don’t need to exercise or play with house cats.”
Has your cat ever woken you up at 3 am zooming back and forth around the house? These bursts of activity, otherwise known as the “zoomies,” are a cat's way of letting out pent up energy that wasn’t used during the day playing or hunting. Besides needing companionship, cats require exercise, sensory stimulation, play, and quality interaction to ensure a fulfilling life indoors. The ancestors of the domestic house cat had acres of land at their disposal to hunt and play. Reducing that territory to the size of a standard home without proper stimulation can lead to boredom and lethargy. In “10 Tips to Keep Your Cat Happy Indoors,” the Humane Society suggests using a wide variety of toys that encourage chewing, kicking, hunting, and stalking behavior. Be sure to switch the toys up every now and again to pique your cat's interest!
#3- “Being outside is unsafe for cats.”
On the contrary, supervised outside time can be extremely beneficial for house cats. There is understandable concern regarding health and safety of owned free-roaming cats; however, parents of indoor only cats can structure responsible outdoor time. Veterinarian Jennifer Stokes suggests leash training and regular walks. Other safe options include access to screened porches or window perches, fenced in outdoor areas, or “catios” - outdoor enclosures designed specifically for your feline friend! Make sure your kitty is up to date on flea, tick and heartworm medication before taking her outside to explore.
#4- “You should always declaw your cat.”
According to SPCA Tulsa, “declawing is amputating the claw and related bone and muscle tissue.” Fortunately, there are safer alternatives than declawing to deter scratching, as the declawing surgery is unnecessarily painful and can have lasting effects. The Humane Society advises pet parents to avoid declawing unless it is absolutely medically necessary. Not only is declawing painful, it may leave your cat defenseless if it ever finds itself lost outside. Cats use their claws to exercise, stretch their muscles, mark their territory, and defend themselves. They are necessary and useful appendages to your kitty and can be trimmed regularly to keep in check. Sturdy scratching posts, soft claw caps, and special deterrent spray or tape on furniture can also prevent unwanted scratching.
#5- “Cats only need one litter box.”
Lastly, there are many misconceptions about litter boxes floating around the cat owner community. Shape, size, depth, quantity -- what does the perfect litter box look like? How many should you set up for your cat? What kind of litter is the best litter? Asking these questions can help us better understand our cats' wants and needs. A good rule of thumb to follow is one cat should have access to at least two clean litter boxes. We know that our cats’ ancestors had access to large swaths of territory, so confining their potty area to a small box is in comparison quite restrictive. Pet MD warns that If the litter isn’t clean, or if there aren’t enough litter boxes to choose from, cats might urinate outside of the litter box. Furthermore, Pet MD states that “having multiple boxes prevents overcrowding into one, where your cat has to step on others’ waste and may feel like there’s not a spot clean enough to “go.” As for types of litter, opt for unscented. Cats have extremely sensitive noses and might be bothered by fragrant litter or prominent scents.
