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Do Cats REALLY ... ?

Do Cats REALLY … ?

Ask any catlover what makes a feline such a phenomenal pet, and most will be able to give you a long list of reasons supporting why cats ultimately rule. Not only are they low maintenance, but they have longer life spans than dogs, love unconditionally, and can even help to eliminate house pests (such as mice and bugs). Yet not everyone owns a cat, and unfortunately, there are many misconceptions that still follow them around. We know you have asked more than once, “Do cat’s REALLY … ?”.

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Whether you have questions about your own cat or are curious about pet cats in general, you’ve found the purr-fect article! We’re here to break down and clear up some of the biggest myths out there. 

Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives?

Contrary to the most popular cat myth around, cats do NOT have many lives. 

So where did the famed urban legend begin? About 12,000 years ago, when ancient Egyptians viewed cats as divine and idolized them for their powers. In particular, they worshiped a goddess known as Bastet, who could change from a cat to a human whenever she desired. Due to her morphing abilities, she disappeared and reappeared multiple times throughout old urban legends. Many believe that each penned reappearance came to be known as a life.

As time went on and felines became popular in England, the following proverb continued to push the notion that they had the power to outlive all the rest:

“A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays.” 

Credit for the proverb has never been determined, but we do know it was popular! William Shakespeare even mentioned the proverb in one of his plays (Romeo and Juliet). As to why the number nine was chosen in particular, the best guess is the relevance it holds in numerology. 

Fun fact: readers may be shocked to learn that the number of lives cats are fabled to have will change in different cultures. In Turkish legends, for example, cats are said to have six lives; in Spanish legends, they have seven.

Whatever the truth about how cats became notorious for beating death, all scientists agree on one indisputable fact: kitties are not indestructible, and only have one life. The good news is that they’re adept at overcoming obstacles, due to their agility and great survival instincts. Just keep in mind that they’re mortal – along with the rest of the creatures worldwide – and don’t take their presence for granted. 

Do Cats REALLY ... ?

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Do Cats Really Shed Their Whiskers?​

Yes. Shedding their whiskers is totally normal, although it doesn’t happen as often as shedding their fur. On average, a cat loses only one whisker every other month, but the timing isn’t guaranteed and also isn’t seasonal. Furthermore, each whisker has its own shedding agenda. At any given moment, a whisker may be ready to shed so another can grow.

Even if whiskers are meant to be shed, vets caution owners to pay close attention: If your cat loses whiskers more often, loses multiple whiskers at once, or develops hair loss, scabs, or flaky skin, they may have larger health issues that need to be addressed. 

Do Cats Really Have Thumbs?

No, but the topic remains controversial. Cats have five “fingers” per paw, but they all work exactly the same. Since thumbs are considered opposable – able to move towards and touch the other four fingers that they share a hand with – a feline’s fifth appendage doesn’t fit the part. Luckily, unlike us humans, they don’t need opposable thumbs for daily functionality. 

Do Cats Really Have Night Vision?

No. While cats can see things up to six times more clearly than a human can, they don’t exactly qualify as being equipped with night vision. As you may remember from previous cat facts we’ve shared, they’re known as crepuscular animals. This means that their most active hours happen between dusk and dawn. As such, they can see in low lighting and follow silhouettes. When it comes to total darkness, though, they’re just as lost as we are!

Do Cats REALLY ... ?

Do Cats Really Get Stuck in Trees?

Yes, cats will often climb trees and get stuck. Their body structure makes it easy for them to move forward and upwards, but climbing downwards poses a far bigger challenge. This is largely due to their difficulty coordinating all four of their feet when descending, and is not just specific to trees. No matter what they climb, they’d much rather jump from high places than try to scramble down. Sometimes, they climb up too high to feel confident making such a drastic leap, and the result is their refusal to come down on their own. 

So why do they bother to climb things at all, if they return safely to the ground? Reasons are varied. Sometimes they simply get curious. Other times, their predatory nature takes effect, causing them to chase small critters upward in pursuit. Alternately, cats are often prey for other predators. Climbing can be used as a way to escape larger animals. 

Yet even when they aren’t in danger, they might get spooked by changes in routine or environment. If you have a cat and they’ve been through a move with you, you might have experienced this one first hand. Many kitties hide on top of fridges, beams, or cabinets during the transition.  

Do Cats REALLY ... ?

Do Cats Really Land on Their Feet?

Yes, cats will land on their feet, but not necessarily in a safe manner. Thanks to their flexible backbones, all felines have a righting reflex: an inherited ability to maneuver their bodies mid-air. Their righting reflex helps them align all four legs before they hit the ground. The higher the height that they fall from, however, determines how smoothly the landing will be. 

One might be led to believe that higher heights mean greater risks of sustaining injuries. It works that way for humans, but believe it or not, if a cat falls from less than 30 centimeters, they’re more likely to hurt themselves. As surprising as this seems, they require enough time to rotate both halves of their body. Each half is said to pivot independently, so inadequate time for alignment means they might break something once they touch down. Experts predict that a fall between seven and 32 stories is actually safer than one that occurs in under six.  

Do Cats Really Hate Water?

It really depends on the cat! Many house kitties aren’t fond of saturated fur, and try to avoid getting wet at all costs, but some don’t seem to mind it. My tabby cat, Fenway, likes sitting with me when I take a bath. He perches on the ledge and gives his tail a soak. Many other indoor cats will drink from the faucet, or even regularly nap in the sink. Lastly, cats who live outdoors and have to adapt to the elements are more inclined to tolerate (or even adore) some aquatics. This is especially true with most big cats, such as lions, leopards, tigers, and other wild breeds. Feral cats, strays, and some pets who go out may like the water too, though.

Do Cats Really Need Toys?

Of course! Playtime is crucial for cats to stay active, both mentally and physically. Not only do cat toys promote stimulation, but help felines satisfy natural instincts to pounce, prance, and hunt while exploring. This is especially useful for indoor cats, who tend to live far more sedentary lives. Playing with a catnip mouse or batting a bird on a stick can also help manage their weight and alleviate their boredom. 

What if your cat doesn’t like playing, though? Not to worry; many cats are picky about what excites them. There are tons of affordable options to try, including but not limited to toys that dispense snacks and treats in a timely manner. If all else fails, even scratching posts can count as a kitty plaything. In fact, anything that gets them moving qualifies as such. 

Do Cats REALLY ... ?

Do Cats Really Always Come Back Home?

They tend to, but don’t always do so. Cats have homing instincts and an excellent sense of direction, which means they can usually find their way home from unfamiliar areas. It’s even been reported that some have returned to previous homes several years after they’d gone missing. 

Yet all cats aren’t created equal when it comes to homing skills. Some get lost more easily, and may wander too far to backtrack. In addition, outside factors can keep them from making it back. Predators, illnesses, injuries, human interference – yes, cat theft is real, and being intercepted by Animal Control are all valid reasons why some kitties seem to disappear without a trace. Death can also happen, whether accidental (such as being hit by oncoming traffic) or due to more natural causes. 

In addition, if a cat is being treated better elsewhere, some will decide to move on. That’s right, they might re-home themselves without their owner’s knowledge, and who could really blame them when it comes to abuse or neglect? It’s extremely important to care for your pets as though they were part of your family. As long as your cat’s needs are met, they shouldn’t remain lost intentionally.  

Do Cats Really Love Their Owners?

Although cats are known to be moody and fiercely independent, most owners feel loved by their cats. Some owners (like me) have close bonds with their felines, whereas other owners feel the love in less obvious ways. Each kitty speaks their own language of love, even if they don’t like cuddles or aren’t quite the snuggling type. They can show affection by purring, kneading, blinking, winking, sleeping by your side, and even exposing their bellies to let you know that they feel safe when you’re around.  

I think it’s safe to say that all animals show love when the feeling is mutual. Americanized pets, more often than not, have a special relationship with their hooman family. According to cat behaviorial expert, Mikel Delgado, cats certainly do feel affection for people. Mikel tells us, “Cats can have a lot of the same emotions that we do, including liking to be around us and enjoying our presence”.

Do Cats REALLY ... ?

Do Cats Really Make Good Support Animals?

Getting a cat as an ESA is an excellent choice for some people. They require less care than most dogs, and many have great personalities. However, if you’re on your way to pick up your new furry friend, there are some paw-some qualities you should be on the lookout for. Friendliness, attentiveness, adaptability, consistency, and overall demeanor all play into how successful cats will be as ESAs. Looking for these traits can help you find the most suitable cat for emotional support. 

If you’re looking for ESA certification for your cat, we’re here to help you! Contact American Service Pets today to discuss all your Emotional Support Animal certification needs. 

Hopefully, our cat guide has answered a bunch of your questions. Do you have any other fun facts about cats to share with other readers? Let us know on social! @americanservicepets
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The benefits of an Emotional Support Animal certification and a Psychiatric Service Dog certification are drastically different. Fortunately for you, American Service Pets’ network of active board certified doctors can help you find the right path to certification. To find out whether you need an ESA or PSD letter, take our easy, three-step Pet Owner Survey!

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