Top 5 cat myths and facts

Brian Faulkner - Article expert
Brian Faulkner
Veterinary Surgeon
RCVS Registered
Black and white cat drinking milk split on floor
Is it true that all cats hate water? Do they really always land on their feet? And should you ever give them milk? We sort the facts from the fiction about these and other common misconceptions regarding our feline companions, and set the record straight.

Quick Links

Most cats don’t like getting wet – you may have the scratch marks to prove it, if you’ve ever tried to give your cat a bath! But there are a few rare kitties who enjoy a soak (as a quick YouTube search reveals), and some breeds actually seem to like the water. Bengal cats, in particular, have a reputation for being comfortable around water, and even happily joining you in the tub, given the chance!

So it’s a bit of a myth that all cats hate water. Generally, though, our pets aren’t keen on being soggy moggies. And fortunately, they tend to do a fantastic job of keeping themselves clean. If you do ever find yourself needing to bathe your cat, specialist pet wipes may be a less stressful option (for both of you) than a bath. Otherwise take things slowly, and get your cat comfortable around the bath or shower before placing them in water.

Cartoon cats are often shown enjoying a saucer of milk. But in reality, it’s never a good idea to give your cat milk to drink, even if they like the taste. Many cats are lactose intolerant, meaning drinking cows’ milk could cause sickness, diarrhoea and tummy pain. Cows’ milk is also fatty.

You might see specialist cat milk in the pet shop or supermarket. While these lack lactose, they’re still high in calories, so should only be an occasional treat. Water is all your cat really needs to stay hydrated.

Cats are impressive acrobats, helped by a highly developed ‘righting reflex’. When a cat falls from a height, the balancing apparatus in their inner ear almost instantly lets them work out up from down. Their flexible spine and lack of collarbone allow them to twist the front and back halves of their body in different directions to right themselves. Their legs and back also act as excellent shock absorbers for a purr-fect landing. One New York kitty fell 32 storeys and survived, with only minor injuries.

But not all cats are so lucky – and the truth is, they don’t always land on their feet. Overweight cats, in particular, may have a less effective righting reflex. And falling from a height can cause injuries or death in cats, as in any animal. If your cat lives a high-rise life, use guards around your balcony and windows to prevent them from falling. And if they fall from any height, get them checked out by a vet, even if they don’t seem hurt – injuries from falls aren’t always visible.

If you’re moving house with a cat, someone may suggest you rub butter on their feet. The theory is that licking off the butter distracts cats from the move, and helps them feel positive about their new home.

This common cat myth has been thoroughly debunked, however. In fact, putting butter on cats’ paws is only likely to annoy them. What’s more, it isn’t great for their health and it may lead to greasy pawprints around your lovely new home!

One of the loveliest things about cat ownership is the sound of your cat purring. But cat vocalisations don’t always mean exactly what we think they do. Kittens begin purring at just a couple of days old when they feed, and their mother will purr as she nurses them. It’s thought this is a way of mum and babies communicating “I’m here, I’m OK” without making a loud noise that might alert predators.

Adult cats often purr in pleasing situations, such as when being stroked or groomed, but it’s a myth that cats only purr when they’re happy. Some cats purr when they’re exploring; others when they want food (called a ‘solicitation purr’); and some when stressed or in pain. Cats giving birth, or near to death, will often purr. And some cats don’t purr at all.

Some scientists think purring could be your cat’s way of self-calming, like a child thumb-sucking. Others think it acts as a feline painkiller. Some have even suggested it could have a healing effect, by stimulating bone and muscle repair. Purring may just be one of the many puzzling cat behaviours that keep us guessing!

Brian Faulkner - Article expert
Petplan Vet Expert

Brian is a long standing vet and President of the UK Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons. He's worked in more than 250 veterinary practices as a clinician, consultant and confidence coach. Brian holds several academic positions, is a keynote speaker and the founder of Colourful CPD, and organisation providing training for veterinary practices.

Brian co-writes our articles on pet health, where we cover everything from common conditions to supporting your pet after an operation.

Find out more about Brian

Follow us

Petplan is a trading name of Pet Plan Limited (Registered in England No. 1282939) and Allianz Insurance plc (Registered in England No. 84638), Registered office: 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1DB.

Pet Plan Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 311969. Allianz Insurance plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register No. 121849. Pet Plan Limited is a subsidiary of Allianz Insurance plc. Fitz All Media Limited is an Appointed Representative of Pet Plan Limited.