Fur real? Myths about cats debunked

“In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this” – Terry Pratchett 

Throughout the annals of human civilization, felus catus—more commonly known as the domestic cat—has sauntered through our collective imagination, perpetually enshrouded in an intricate tapestry of mystery, intrigue, and oft-repeated mythology. From whispered tales of their preternatural capacity to defy the inexorable pull of gravity to fantastical assertions of possessing a multiplicity of lives, not to mention the pervasive notion of their aloof indifference to the affections of humankind, these lithe and enigmatic creatures have long captivated our hearts and minds. Are they truly the solitary, intractable souls of ancient lore, beholden to no master and guided solely by their own inscrutable whims? Or does a deeper, more nuanced truth lie beneath the surface of these timeworn assumptions? By embarking upon a thorough exploration of the most enduring and oft-cited myths surrounding our feline companions, we shall endeavor to peel back the layers of misconception, illuminating the scientific principles, behavioral intricacies, and distinctive personalities that define these remarkable beings, thereby distinguishing verifiable reality from the embellished fictions that have trailed them across the centuries. Sorry about all those big words. Basically, I’m trying to say that cats are special.

😺Myth: Cats always land on their feet.

Cats don’t always land on their feet, but they’re remarkably good at it, thanks to a natural ability called the “righting reflex.” This kicks in when they’re falling: their inner ear and sense of balance help them quickly figure out which way is up, and their flexible spine and strong muscles let them twist mid-air to get their feet under them. Studies—like one from the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association—show they can pull this off from heights as low as 1-2 feet, and they’re successful about 90% of the time when falling from greater distances.

That said, it’s not foolproof. If they’re too close to the ground, drunk, injured, or caught off guard (like if they roll off a couch half-asleep), they might not have the time or coordination to stick the landing. High falls can also mess them up—there’s a thing called “high-rise syndrome,” where cats survive crazy drops (like 20 stories) better than medium ones (like 5-9 stories) because they have time to spread out and slow their fall, but they still don’t always land perfectly. So, while they’re built for it, physics and bad luck can still trip them up.

😺Myth: Cats have nine lives.

Cats don’t have nine lives—that’s just a myth that’s been around forever. It probably comes from their uncanny knack for surviving stuff that’d kill most animals, like falls from ridiculous heights or dodging danger with those quick reflexes. The “nine lives” idea pops up in old English proverbs—like one from 1592, “A cat has nine lives, for three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays”—and might tie to ancient Egypt, where cats were sacred and linked to the nine-god Ennead. Nine’s also just a lucky number in folklore, so it stuck.

In reality, they’ve got one life, same as us. They’re just tough little bastards—flexible skeletons, sharp senses, and a habit of acting like they own the place. Vets see it all the time: cats walking away from accidents that should’ve ended them. But they’re not immortal; they bleed, break, and eventually kick the bucket like anything else. The nine-lives thing is more about us being impressed by their grit than any actual magic.

😺Myth: Cats are aloof and don’t bond with humans.

Cats absolutely bond with people, just not always in the in-your-face way dogs do. Research backs this up: a 2019 study from Oregon State University found that cats form secure attachments to their owners, similar to how kids bond with parents or dogs with humans. They tested this by putting cats in a room with their person, then leaving and coming back. About 65% showed signs of a secure bond—relaxing when their human returned, balancing contact with exploring on their own. That’s pretty close to the 65-70% rate in dogs.

Cats show it differently, though. They’re not pack animals like dogs, so their affection’s more subtle—head-butts, purring, slow blinks, or just chilling nearby. A 2023 study in PubMed even showed cats can distinguish their owner’s voice from a stranger’s and respond more to it. They’re not aloof; they just don’t grovel. People who say cats don’t bond might miss the signs or expect them to act like something they’re not. My take? They bond plenty—they’re just picky about who’s worth their time.

😺Myth: Milk is good for cats.

The idea that milk is good for cats is a common misconception. While kittens can digest lactose (the sugar in milk) thanks to an enzyme called lactase, most cats lose this ability as they mature into adults. After weaning, many cats become lactose intolerant, meaning they can’t properly digest milk. Giving milk to an adult cat can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea, upset stomach, or vomiting.

That said, not all cats are lactose intolerant—some can tolerate small amounts of milk without problems. But generally, it’s not recommended as a regular treat. If you want to give your cat something similar, there are lactose-free “cat milk” products designed specifically for them.

So, no, milk isn’t inherently “good” for cats, especially adults, and could cause more harm than benefit in many cases. Stick to water and a balanced cat diet for their health!

😺Myth: Cats can’t be trained.

Cats can absolutely be trained! They’re often seen as independent or stubborn compared to dogs, but cats are intelligent and capable of learning a variety of behaviors and tricks with the right approach. The key is understanding their motivations—usually food, play, or affection—and using positive reinforcement.

For example, cats can be trained to:

• Sit, lie down, or high-five on command.
• Use a litter box (most do this instinctively, but it’s still a form of training).
• Come when called.
• Even walk on a leash or perform in agility courses.

The trick is patience and consistency. Unlike dogs, cats typically don’t respond well to punishment or forceful methods—they’re more likely to cooperate when they feel it’s their choice. Clicker training, where a click sound is paired with a treat, works especially well for many cats.

So, while they might not be as eager to please as some dogs, cats are definitely trainable. It’s more about working with their personality than against it.

😺Myth: Cats hate water.

It’s a common stereotype that all cats hate water, but it’s not entirely true. While many cats dislike getting wet—often because their fur takes a long time to dry, and it can feel uncomfortable—some cats actually enjoy water. Breeds like the Maine Coon, Turkish Van, and Bengal are known for being more water-tolerant, sometimes even playing in it. A lot depends on the individual cat’s personality and early experiences. If a cat’s introduced to water gradually and positively when young, it might not mind it at all. So, the idea is more of a generalization than a universal fact. Here’s a video demonstrating that not all cats are created equally.

😺Myth: Cats are independent and don’t need attention.

The idea that cats are completely independent and don’t need attention is a bit of a myth—it’s more nuanced than that. Cats are often seen as low-maintenance compared to dogs, and they do tend to enjoy their alone time. They’re wired as solitary hunters by nature, so they’re pretty good at entertaining themselves, whether it’s stalking a toy or just napping in a sunbeam. Studies, like ones from the American Veterinary Medical Association, show cats can thrive with less direct interaction than dogs, and some breeds—like the Siamese—are more aloof than others.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t need or want attention. Research from places like Oregon State University (e.g., a 2019 study on cat-human bonds) found that most cats form strong attachments to their owners, similar to dogs, just in a less in-your-face way. They might not beg for belly rubs (though some do!), but they’ll seek you out for a head scratch or purr next to you when they’re in the mood. It varies by personality—some cats are total loners, while others get cranky without their daily dose of human interaction. Neglect them too long, and you might see stress behaviors like overgrooming or knocking your stuff off the counter out of spite.

So, independent? Sure, to a point. No need for attention? Nah, they just play it cool about it.

😺Myth: Cats are aloof and unfriendly.

The idea that cats are inherently aloof and unfriendly is a common stereotype, but it’s not universally true. Cats have a wide range of personalities—just like humans or dogs—and their behavior often depends on their individual temperament, upbringing, and environment. Some cats are super social and love attention, while others might be more independent or cautious around people. Studies, like those from the University of California, Davis, suggest that many cats form strong bonds with their owners, showing affection in ways that might not be as obvious as a dog’s wagging tail—like purring, head-butting, or just hanging out nearby.

The “aloof” reputation probably comes from their nature as solitary hunters, unlike pack-oriented dogs. But if a cat’s standoffish, it could also be a sign they’re stressed, shy, or just not feeling the vibe. Plenty of cat owners will tell you their feline buddies are anything but unfriendly—sometimes they’re just picky about who they vibe with. What’s your experience with cats been like?

😺Myth: Cats only purr when they’re happy.

No, that’s not entirely true. While cats often purr when they’re content or happy, they can also purr in other situations. For example, some cats purr when they’re stressed, anxious, or even in pain—possibly as a way to self-soothe. Mother cats also purr to communicate with their kittens, and it’s thought that purring might help with healing due to the low-frequency vibrations. So, purring is more complex than just a sign of happiness—it’s a multi-purpose behavior!

😺Myth: Black cats are unlucky.

The idea that black cats are unlucky is a superstition with no scientific basis. It’s been around for centuries, tied to folklore and cultural beliefs—like in medieval Europe, where they were sometimes linked to witchcraft. But in reality, a cat’s color doesn’t influence luck or events. Studies, like those from animal shelters, even show black cats are just as adoptable as others when given a fair shot, though they’re sometimes overlooked due to this myth. In some cultures, like Japan, black cats are actually seen as good luck. So, it’s all perspective—no evidence says they’re unlucky.

In conclusion

When we strip away the fairy-tale magic and the oversimplified ideas about cats being standoffish or untouchable, what we find is something even better: cats are tough, flexible survivors with a knack for surprising us in the best ways. They’re not the mystical creatures of old stories, always landing perfectly on their feet or sipping milk like it’s their birthright—but they don’t need to be. Their bodies are built smart, with that cool “righting reflex” helping them twist mid-air to stick most landings, even if they don’t always nail it when the fall’s too short or they’re caught off guard. And while milk might upset their grown-up stomachs thanks to lactose intolerance, they get by just fine without it. The whole “nine lives” thing? It’s not real, but you can see why people made it up—cats bounce back from wild accidents with a grit that’s honestly impressive. They’re not aloof either, despite what some say. They bond with us in their own quiet way—think purring, head bumps, or just hanging out nearby—showing they care without making a big, loud fuss about it. Plus, they can learn tricks and commands if you’re patient enough to work with their style, and some even splash around in water like it’s no big deal, proving they’re not all the same. Purring turns out to be more than a happy sound—it’s their way of chilling out when stressed or chatting with their kittens—and as for black cats being bad luck, that’s just old superstition with no truth to back it up. Cats aren’t here to live up to legends; they’re real, living animals with quirks and strengths that make them fascinating. They deserve our respect and curiosity—not just because they’re cute or mysterious but because they keep showing us there’s so much more to them than the stories we’ve told for ages.