May 27, 2026 –
We all know that cats don’t really have nine lives, but between incorrect information being shared online and the common misconceptions you were told growing up, many cat owners may still act upon myths concerning the feline members of their family. Allow us to clear the air on five of the most common.
“Cats love milk”
From cartoons to artwork at your local museum, there is no shortage of media depicting cats enjoying milk. While kittens seek milk from their mother while growing, many adult cats are lactose intolerant and, even as kittens, cow’s milk can lead to health concerns.
Feeding your cat or kitten cow’s milk can cause a slew of digestive problems, causing bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, and unnecessary weight gain. The only time they should be drinking milk is as they are growing, and only milk from their mother or a specialized formula that resembles it.
“Cats only purr when happy”
We’re all familiar with our cats doing their best motorboat impression while curled up in our laps. While they do purr when happy, this behavior can also be used to signal other emotions.
Does your cat alternate between meowing and purring in an environment that typically creates stress, such as a veterinarian’s office? They may be doing so as a mechanism to alleviate anxiety. Your cat may also purr while sick, using it as a means to self-soothe their nerves while also drawing your attention so that you can provide care.
A stressed cat may hold its ears flat, keep its tail tucked or twitching, hunch close to the ground, or give a hard stare with dilated pupils. A sick cat may withdraw from social interactions, experience appetite changes, not go in the litter box, or be lethargic. When deciphering your pet’s purrs, pay attention to their body language and environment to help determine if they are stressed or in pain, or if they’re just being a happy kitty. If you suspect your cat is not feeling well, consult with your veterinarian right away.
“Cats are low-maintenance animals”
Often mistakenly thought of as pets that don’t require much attention, the well-being of your cat depends on regular care and interactions.
From routine visits to the veterinarian, daily mental and physical stimulation through playtime, and keeping their environment and litter box clean, making sure your cat is happy and healthy starts with deliberate attention on a daily basis.
“My cat doesn’t need a regular checkup because they stay inside”
Alongside the misconception that cats are low-maintenance pets is the incorrect notion that they also do not require regular visits to the veterinarian. Conditions like diabetes, liver disease, parasitic infections, and dental disease can affect your cat without obvious symptoms, making routine checkups a necessity. Vaccinations are also administered at the veterinarian which play a key role in maintaining sustained health.
Despite spending all their time indoors, cats are not immune to pests such as parasites, worms, fleas, and ticks, which can be brought inside by anyone or anything that has spent time outdoors. Making a habit of seeing the veterinarian not only will help cure any conditions that may be currently affecting your cat, but it will also help prevent issues before they become a serious problem.
“Cats can’t be trained”
If you think your cat can’t learn any tricks, think again! Using positive reinforcement, in which a pet is provided with a reward (treats, praise, pets, etc.) following desired behavior, helps to increase the likelihood of your cat repeating such behavior. With repetition, patience, and positive reinforcement, your cat can learn a wide variety of tricks and activities!
Keeping training sessions short helps to ensure they’re fun for your pet. Never punish your cat for incorrect behavior and be patient as training will take time.
