Cat Myths

There are plenty of myths about cats and water, but many boat owners still bring their feline friends along for the ride. Many Sunseeker Yachts have nice living areas with large windows, perfect for your cat to watch the activity. Sunshine and fresh fish, what more could a cat ask for?

All Calicos are female

Not true. While most calico cats are female, there is the occasional male. Fact is that the majority of those calico males are sterile, because the color is linked to the sex.

Calicos require two X chromosomes which means the cat is a female. On some rare occasions however, a male calico will be born. The cause is usually an extra chromosome; instead of him having XY, he has XXY. About 1 - 3000 calico cats turn out to be a male and out of those males only 1-10,000 are fertile.

All orange cats are male, right?

Not true. I am looking at 2 orange kittens: a male and a female right now.

The myth originates from the reason is that the orange male needs one copy of the O gene to produce an orange coat where the female requires the O to be on both chromosomes. If she has only one O she would turn out a Calico.

My female cat should have one litter before she is spayed

Not true. Research has proven that it is better to have a cat spayed or neutered before 6 months of age to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

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Cats must be 6 months before they can be spayed/neutered

Not true. These days cats can now be safely spayed/neutered as young as 8 weeks of age.

Siamese cats are mean

Are all Siamese cats mean and feisty? No way! This myth actually originated from the movie “The Lady and the Tramp” where the Siamese cat is portrayed as a somewhat mean creature.

In real life however, temperament is the result of a mix of how the cat is raised, if she was raised with other cats or just with humans, how she was treated, what she has been through, if she has experienced any trauma, etc.. If a cat is brought up in a loving household chances are that she will grow up into well adjusted and loving cat. If this myth, that all Siamese cats are mean, had any truth to it, the Siamese cat breed would not be one of the world's most popular breeds on the planet.

You can't turn an outdoor cat into an indoor cat

Of course you can. I have done it numerous times. As long as they are entertained enough and don't get bored, it is not difficult at all.

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Indoor Cats are safe from Diseases and Parasites

Most of common infections are airborne and can be brought into your house by a wind gust through the open door or window, a guest's clothing or even yourself or your pet. The same way also works for parasites such as fleas and ticks. Always groom your pet before letting it inside and brush yourself and your clothing as well.

Momma Cats smother their Babies

This too is a myth. I have not found a single verified case of such incident, but there have incidences of a momma cat accidentally smothering babies while sleeping.

Cats hate Water

I believe that it is not the water that cats fear, but the noise it makes. Every single I have raised has enjoyed being bathed and purred up a storm afterwards. The trick lies in introducing the water to the kitten for the first time. If the first time is traumatic, and unfortunately this is the case most of the time, the cat will dislike the water.

Do Cats always land on their Feet?

No, they don't always fall on their feet. Sometimes they fall off a low lying place and the distance to the ground is too short for them make a turn in mid air. If the place is high enough, the cat will certainly turn so she will land with her feet first.

Having said that, please bear in mind that any cat will be seriously hurt and maybe even killed if she falls from a great height.

American veterinarians have a new term called the "high rise syndrome". Due to the rising human population high-rise buildings are erected and 3 stories and higher apartments are becoming more and more available, which results in more and more cats falling out of the window with horrible results.

There are window safety guards available for your windows. Please be a responsible cat owner and save yourself and your cat from such terrible accidents.

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Cats should not eat Fish

It is ok to give your cat a fishy treat once in a while. However, it should not become a regular part of their daily diet. Giving a cat too much fish can lead to something called the Yellow Fat Disease, which is caused by Vitamin E deficiency. Fish does not contain enough taurine, which is what cats depend on their diet.

Cats will not inbreed

Yes, they will. They do not have the same limits as their wild cousins. They will mate with any cat, including their siblings and parents. It is strongly suggested that you get all your cats spayed/neutered before the age of 6 months.

Every male cat sprays

No, not all males spray. Most male cats are much more likely to spray than neutered ones, which is another good reason to your cats fixed. Female cats can also spray but it is not as common as in male cats.

If your cat makes a mess on the carpet, rub her nose in it.

Not true. This will not only confuse your cat but also scare her off.

Possible causes are a) health problems - urinating is sometimes the only way for a cat to tell you that something is wrong with her, or b) the litter box is too dirty or your cat doesn't like hooded or open litter boxes or your cat disapproves of the location of the litter tray (might be too busy, too loud, too dark, too light, you name it! Cats are vulnerable while going potty, keep that in mind).

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Cats can have cow's milk

Wrong - Most cats and kittens are lactose intolerant. Feeding them milk will result in diarrhea which is especially dangerous to baby kittens that can dehydrate quickly and even die. Always use the commercial milk replacer. There is no valid reason for an adult cat to have to drink milk at all.

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Cat FAQs

Why your cat loves to wash your hair and face?

This behavior has roots in the kitten's first minutes of his precious little life, because the mother's tongue is the first thing it will experience. Cleaning and grooming each other is a sign of affection and love. So what is your cat telling you when he/she starts washing your face and/or hair? I love you and I care for you, that is the message.

Why do cats knead with their paws?

Watch a kitten nursing. The paws are kneading constantly to stimulate the mother's milk flow. After the kitten is weaned, the behavior turns into an expression of just feeling good and safe, as well as contentment.

My cat brings her kills home. That's just disgusting. What can I do???

Cats are born predators one of the best hunters on the planet. It is their ability to kill mice that brought cats and people together centuries ago.

Did you know that cats view people as parents or children that need help?? They actually feel compelled to bring us food! In hindsight, kitty is trying to do his share for the family. Cats also have a natural desire to store food for “rainy days”.

Other than keeping your cat indoors there is really not much you can do. Please do NOT put a bell on your cat’s collar! If you feed your cat in the kitchen, consider moving the food dish to another area so that the kitchen does not become the main drop off for dead mice.

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Will my cat get fat and lazy once fixed?

You are preventing your cat from contributing to the very serious over population of kittens and cats if get him or her spayed or neutered. Male cats are at risk to develop testicular cancer, abscesses that are caused by fighting, being hit by a car, or contract FIV (Feline Aids) & FeLV.

Female cats run a greater risk of breast cancer and can also develop infections of the uterus, and she can contract FIV & FeLV from an infected male as well or fall victim to a car accident. Females will often stop eating when they come into heat, which can happen a few times a year. Males will stray through the neighborhood looking for a female to mate with. A fixed cat will not gain weight as a result of the surgery, but he/she may lose weight because of the lack of food intake and increased straying.

By getting your cat fixed your cat is no longer on the never-ending search for a partner and can shift his/her attention towards you.

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Cat Facts