Myths about Cats

Cats want to die alone
Cats don't want to die alone. They don't know that they are going to die.
All they know is that they are being threatened (by illness or injury) but
they cannot see this predator, so instinctively they try to hide from the predator.
Of course the "predator" stays with them, and they die alone without help or
comfort from those who love them.

Cats want to smother babies
Due to their curiosity, cats are interested in everything which is new to their
territory. A new baby is just another new thing in the environment and calls
for immediate inspection. The cat may find a warm spot in the crip and
"accidentally!" smother the baby, it does NOT do this out of viciousness.
If kept away from the baby, the cat will only postpone the moment of discovery.
There is no harm in letting the cat get to know the baby under a watchful eye,
and then it can also be seen how exactly the cat reacts to the baby. Most cats
will not like the noises made by babies, and will simply avoid them.One should
never leave a baby unattended with any other animal either, and even leaving
them alone with siblings can be dangerous as well.

Cats always land on their feet
It is true that cats have the ability to turn very quickly when falling so that
they will land on their feet, and their knees can absorb the shock of the fall.
However, the cat does not always have enough time to turn quick enough, and can just
as easily land on its back or side. Even if the cat lands on its feet, the shock
of the fall can cause serious damage, such as broken knees or broken hips.

Male Cats kill their young
Most Feline Fathers help "raise" their kittens. They provide food for
them (mice), and clean them just as lovingly as the mother cat. The myth arose
due to the fact that some males became sexually aroused and while mounting a
female offspring administered the ritual bite in the neck, killing the kitten.
This occurred only on very few occations, and it cannot be said that Toms
kill their young.

Females should have kittens before being spayed
This is one of the most common misconceptions of all.
It is said that female cats should have kittens at least once before being
sterilized, since otherwise the cat cannot develop all its motherly instincts
and will become a secluded, disturbed, and unapproachable cat. This is NOT true.
There is no difference in character between a cat that has had kittens once, and
one who hasn't. A female cat will live longer if spayed at a young age.
They have a better chance of not developing ovarian cancer and many other diseases.

Cats have 9 Lives
It is true that the cat has a unique ability to get out of tight situations,
and to appear hale and healthy again is often amazing to us humans.
The cat however only has one life just like we do, and you should make it
the best and safest possible for you kitty.