8 common misconceptions about cats: it’s not true that they are not affectionate
Ferenczi Deborah
2023. July 15 - Photos: Getty Images Hungary
Ferenczi Deborah
2023. July 15 - Photos: Getty Images Hungary
Despite the fact that cats have been living alongside humans for centuries, there are still a lot of misconceptions about them in the public mind. Legends, fables, and misbeliefs surround them, as if they were strange mystics of the animal world whose interpretation is impossible.
It is time to disprove more cat misconceptions and shed light on what kind of animals these sweet creatures really are.
When we hear a cat meow, it’s natural to assume that it’s “talking” to us the same way it would talk to a companion. Meowing is actually a very brilliant aspect of feline adaptability. Because it is far from typical for adult cats to communicate by meowing, however, kittens do meow to their mothers many times. They realized that humans are very receptive to this form of communication, so they developed the ability to dissert with humans in this way. Among themselves they rely much more on smell and body language.
Cats are often seen as stone-hearted creatures incapable of showing their owners the love and affection that dogs do. In fact, this is not true at all, because cats do adore their owners, and they even cling to them. The difference is simply that they express this with a different meta-communication tool. So the cat is actually like an introverted person, and the dog is like an extroverted person; they love you in the same way, but they show it differently.
Many people believe that cats simply hate being touched or petted. This is absolutely not true, cats do like to be petted by their owners. But when they are satisfied with the action, they can easily move on. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want to be loved, they just have a different love language.
Well, as much as many people think that cats express their love by purring, this is not completely tru. Basically, cats use purring as a form of communication that goes beyond just expressing joy. For example, many cats purr even when they feel stressed or fearful. Tt is possible as well that the cat is purring out of routine or soothing itself.
Perhaps one of the most widespread assumptions is that cats always, in every case, no matter how high they fall, get back on their feet. Unfortunately, this is not true. It is true that they are much more likely to fall on their feet than other animals, but this does not mean that they cannot land in other ways. Although they turn in the air at amazing speeds, this is not a guarantee.
Do you get the moment when you want to bathe your cat and end up having to literally fight about it? Well, most people believe that this is because cats hate water and they hate getting their fur wet. This is a fact, but many cats are also averse to water because they do not swim very good.
Many people believe that cats cannot be comfortable in an apartment, and they even believe that cats living outdoors are not only happier and more balanced, but also healthier. This is not true, in fact, letting a cat outside without supervision drastically shortens its lifespan. According to the Animal Humane Society, the average lifespan of outdoor cats is 10 to 12 years shorter than of indoor cats. By roaming, they are at greater risk of diseases, parasites, poisoning, and traffic-related injuries. And the fact that they would be happier is also not relevant, because a cat that its cared for on a daily basis probably lives a happy life.
The suggestion that cats are not the least bit trainable can also be refuted. Even though, for example, a dog can be trainedto do tricks more easily, cats are similarly teachable, but due to their stubbornness, it obviously takes more time. Of course, it cannot be denied that they are more complicated, but with persistent, regular work and the right motivation, you can certainly teach your cat a few tricks.
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