12 common cat myths debunked

1. Black cats are unlucky

Black cats have been the subject of myth and folklore for centuries. Their long history with people remained mostly positive until the hysteria surrounding witches began.

Cats were cared for by single women who were then accused of witchcraft. People believed that these cats were helping witches with their evil deeds. They also believed that black cats were witches in disguise.

To this day, the superstition surrounding black cats remains. But while in some countries they are considered unlucky, they are said to bring good fortune in other parts of the world.

• In Japan, it is thought to be good luck if a black cat crosses your path
• In much of Europe and the US, the presence of a black cat is considered to mean that bad luck is on its way
• In Germany it depends which direction a black cat walks in front of you. Left to right means good times are ahead, but right to left is unlucky.
• In Italy, some believe that if a black cat jumps on the bed next to a sick person, the person will soon die
• If a black cat appears on your doorstep in Scotland, tradition suggests you could be coming into money
• In China, some believe black cats are bringers of poverty

Sadly, unwanted and abandoned black cats are notoriously difficult to rehome thanks to superstition and myth. In reality, the only supernatural powers that black cats possess are ones of unconditional love and affection, just like any other cat.

2. All cats hate water

Most domestic cats are not big fans of water, but not all of them hate getting wet.

Experts think most cats dislike water because their coats do not dry very quickly, which can leave them feeling uncomfortable and cold. The weight of water is also likely to weigh them down, which means they cannot escape perceived danger as quickly. Cats’ original ancestors also evolved in desert areas, where the land is barren and has very little rain.

If your cat does not like getting wet, but you need to bathe them for medical reasons, speak to your vet for advice.

3. Cats are unloving

Domestic cats are, by nature, more independent than domestic dogs, as their ancestors were very solitary and their social needs are very different to dogs and people.

But, as anyone who has had their cat jump on their lap for a fuss will testify, cats do show affection towards their owners and many like to be stroked and spend time in our company.

4. Cats always land on their feet

More often than not, cats will land on their feet when they fall a short distance. This is because they have a ‘righting reflex’, where they are able to twist around very quickly in the air when falling. They also have very flexible backbones, which help them in doing this.

Sadly, cats do not always land on their feet. Every year our animal hospitals treat cats that have fallen from a height, often out of windows several storeys high.

Some cats make a recovery, but unfortunately, many suffer life changing injuries that can be expensive to treat for owners.

We recommend keeping windows closed or fixing mesh to windows and balconies during the summer to prevent cats from falling out.

5. Cats have nine lives

Like the rest of us, cats only have one life. Nobody really knows the origin of this myth, but there are a number of possibilities – from William Shakespeare to ancient Egypt.

In the play Romeo and Juliet, the bard refers to the nine lives of cats. Meanwhile an old proverb of unknown origin claims: “A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays and for the last three he stays.”

In ancient Egypt, cats were treated as sacred animals and were worshiped as divine creatures with psychic or supernatural powers, so some think the myth could have originated there.

It’s more than likely that the myth has developed over time due to cats’ ability to get themselves out of sticky situations. Cats have survived falls from great heights and even earthquakes, so it’s not surprising they have earned their nine lives title.

6. Cats only purr when they are happy

Kittens instinctively purr from birth when nursing. This makes purring a comforting sound that cats often use when they are happy, such as when getting attention and fuss. But that’s not the only reason they purr – they can also make this noise when they’re frightened, feeling unwell or in pain, as it provides comfort. 

7. Cats can see in complete darkness

Cats are unable to see in total darkness, but they are much better adapted than us at seeing in low levels of light.

The corneas in a cat’s eye are much thinner than ours, and their irises (the coloured part of the eye) open far wider, which allows more light to enter. Like many animals, cats also have a highly developed reflective area in the back of their eyes – this is what makes them glow at night when caught in our headlights.

Read more about cats' eyesight.

8. Cats are nocturnal

Cats are not nocturnal, but they are naturally crepuscular, which means they're most active at dawn and dusk. This is when hunting opportunities are best and there’s enough light for them to see well.

Just because your cat is domesticated, it does not mean they will ignore this genetic predisposition. But they'll usually adapt to your routine.

Cats often sleep when the house is quiet and become more active when people arrive home. They may sleep at night, but they'll often still wake at least a couple of times.

If you want to help your cat adapt to your routine, you can try giving them a warm bed and playing with them in the evening before you go to bed.

9. You should give your cat cow's milk

Despite popular belief, cats do not need milk. If they are fed a balanced diet, they'll be getting all the nutrients they need.

Once weaned, many cats become lactose intolerant, meaning milk can upset their stomach. You can buy cat milk that is specifically designed for cats, but it doesn't have the correct balance of nutrients to be fed as a big part of their diet.

Kittens need to drink milk, but they should only drink their mother’s milk or specially tailored formula purchased from a vet.

10. Cats do not like other cats

For the most part, cats do prefer to be the only cat in the home, but they sometimes get along well with other cats that they are related to and have grown up with.

If you're introducing cats in your home, it's important to do so slowly to make sure neither cat feels threatened or scared. Even cats that get along do not like sharing, so make sure that there are plenty of resources available for all cats, such as food, litter trays or sleeping areas. This can help prevent any tension from developing, with can lead to a breakdown in the relationship.

11. Cats are solitary animals and like to be left alone

By their nature, cats are solitary creatures. But domesticated cats can form close bonds to people, as well as unlikely friendships with dogs or other animals.

On rare occasions, cats that have a close bond with their owner can even develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.

12. Rubbing butter on a cat's paws will help them find their way home

Rubbing butter on cats’ paws is often given as advice when someone moves house and is letting their cat outside for the first time. But it is entirely untrue and can cause more stress for your cat.

The theory behind this myth is that it removes the smell of your cat's old environment, allows them to take in their new home and get a bearing of their territory when licking off the butter. 

In reality, it's unlikely your cat will be taking in any new scents at all when concentrating on licking off the butter – instead, it can make your cat feel stressed, as well as leaving greasy paw prints all over your new home.

Read our advice on familiarising your cat with their new home.