I got this list in a press release from Petlane. The italics comments are from me.
1) Fat cats are not more prone to getting diabetes.
TRUTH: Although any cat may contract diabetes, fat cats are more susceptible to contracting this disease. Sadly, just like humans.
2) Cats cannot be trained to scratch on appropriate scratching surfaces.
TRUTH: There are some great products and methods to help keep a cat away from particular surfaces. With patience, most of the time a cat can be trained away from scratching an unwanted surface. And which do you really value more, the kitty or that old sofa? I say the kitty.
3) Physical punishment is a good way to teach a cat to behave.
TRUTH: Cats do not respond to physical punishment at all. They will not associate a behavior with punishment. They will, however, associate you with something bad. Some cats will respond to treats as positive reinforcement. Duh! if you think its appropriate to physically punish any pet, please refrain from getting one. Seriously.
4) Senior cats do not like to play.
TRUTH: Older cats appreciate play time just as much as younger cats. They may not react as energetically, but they do enjoy it and need it. Like kids, a kitty's taste for fun changes as they get older. It's up to you to amuse your cat. Get creative.
5) Indoor cats do not get bored.
TRUTH: Indoor cats do not receive the stimulation their indoor/outdoor counterparts do. They are much more reliant on their human companions for stimulation through play. Playing with your cat for short bursts about 10 minutes at a time several times a day will make your companion a happier, healthier and more social being. And it will keep them from showing you how bored they are by destroying the previously mentioned old sofa.
6) Declawing is just like trimming a cat's nails.
TRUTH: Declawing is nothing like trimming a cat's nails. Declawing is not a "simple," single surgery, but rather 10 separate amputations of the third phalanx up to the last joint of each toe. A graphic comparison in human terms would be the cutting off of a person's finger at the last joint of each finger. Although most cats do survive this procedure unharmed, there are some very serious side effects that can occur and be permanent. I admit, I de-clawed my cats years ago and I regret that decision very much. Don't do it.
7) A house does not need to be "cat proofed."
TRUTH: Cats will explore every nook and cranny of their home. If you have fragile items a cat might break keep them out of reach. Also be aware of any plants you may have that could be poisionous. Cats do like to munch on plants from time to time. And they like to crawl into open spaces in the floor. But that's a long story.
8) All cats are alike, so it doesn't matter what type of cat we get.
TRUTH: No two cats are alike. It is important you understand the basic traits of any particular breed before acquiring a cat. Some cats are cuddly, some independent, some actually a bit more like a dog. Within a breed, each cat has his or her own special behavior. Be sure to spend some quality time with your cat or kitten before you decide to adopt it. And remember, shelter kitties are the very best kitties in the world. Yes, they are.
8) It is safe for cats to walk on surfaces that have been cleaned with chemical based cleaners and then lick their paws.
TRUTH: Cat owners should be using all-natural home cleaners for the safety and health of their cat. Chemical cleaners can make an animal very sick. Petlane offers several great alternatives, including pet-friendly floor cleaner and toilet bowl cleaner. Here's the ad part of the press release. Still, it's less chemicals in the house is a good thing for both animals and people.
10) Cats don't use their litter boxes because they are angry.
TRUTH: 99% of the time when a cat doesn't use his or her litter box, it is because the litter is dirty, it is the wrong kind of litter or the cat is ill. Checking with the Vet right away is the safest course of action. My cat Thai will "think outside the box" if we even dare to change the type of litter in the box. Find one your kitty likes and stick with it. If you have to change, do it slowly by mixing the old and the new.
Can you think of any other universal truths about kitties?
Comments
[May 13, 2008 10:09 AM]
DeborahI have had kitties my entire life. They definitely love to hide in closets so be careful and check before you close the door! I had a cat years ago that was exploring and somehow got the board off of the wall that went to the furnace. I kept hearing this clang clang sound only to realize that my kitty was down in that hole that went down to the furnace. I had a time getting her back out and was so afraid that I was going to loose her. Another lesson learned...make sure that all boards are pounded on the walls with strong nails. As far as plants, I have not had any plants survive any kitties. They either love to eat at them, lay on them or dig them up. It was the plants or the kitties so I went with the kitties. I did have one that passed away last December from diabetes. He was a very large cat and kept getting bigger and bigger. Suddenly he started losing weight and when I got him to the vet, his diabetes had affected his liver and he didn't make it. He was only 7 years old. So if your cat is getting large and overweight, have him or her checked out by the vet. I am guilty of declawing mine. At the time, I thought it was a simply procedure. I would not do it again. My kitties are now 11 years old and none of them had any bad side effects from having it done but I chill when I think what I put them through with that surgery. Let them play and have fun but make sure that closet doesn't have a kitty in it before you close the door and make sure every possible nook and board to a vent is kitty proof...they love to explore! Shelter kitties and rescue kitties are the way to go..their are so many that need wonderful homes. I keep mine inside...they have places at the windows to lay and watch the world and sleep in the sunshine (but their favorite place to sleep is my bed!).
[May 13, 2008 10:10 AM]
DanaNumber 5: It is so true that an indoor cat can get bored.
My husband, when single, got a kitten, which he kept inside. When I moved in, this cat hated me. He would attack me sometimes. With time he seemed to get a little better, but would stil attack sometimes.
Our vet said that it could be missplaced aggression. He sees something outside and would like to chase it, but couldn't so I ended up getting chased.
Fortunately, we live out in the country. Buddy is now an indoor and outdoor cat. His behavior has improved vastly. However, if it rains for a couple of days, you'd better watch your ankles.
[May 13, 2008 5:31 PM]
Ed S.I think cats are probably the most wonderful beasts that grace the Earth. They have it all: eyesight, hearing, smell, excellent touch/balance...no taste, though, considering what they lick. They are generally very intelligent and operate well independently. Too bad people just don't understand them.
Declawing cats has always bothered me. I don't fault people that just didn't know better, but I've explained many times to owners (before they got them) how the claws are an integral part of the cat. They are a part of the body, and very important tools. Not to mention the fact that it's the removal a very important defense mechanism.
More dumbfounding was a friend who trimmed her cat's whiskers?! Hello, McFly?!
#9 is also an important one. It is sad how many people pump chemicals into their homes, lawns, and bodies and think they do no harm simply because it's over the counter or applied/prescribed by a "professional".
Enjoy your kitties! I'd love to have one, but I'm allergic. :(
[May 14, 2008 8:43 AM]
EricI decided when I moved into my apartment that I just could not live with out any pets. I decided that since I would be living alone I had to get 2. So I was able to get 2 rescue kittens (brother and sister). That way they have a playmate. It really does make a difference because I have a lot fewer scratches than if I only had 1. One of my favorite parts of the day is when I come home from work they are there waiting for me at the front door waiting to be loved on :) I of course think of my kitties more than just pets, they are my kids.