Cat Myth-teries

We’ve all heard them, read them, maybe even believed them. Maybe you call them “old wive’s tales” and some of them may even have a basis in truth. This blog seems a great place to dispel some of the damaging myths about cats, or simply chuckle about the clueless ness of non-cat-people. For instance, how about that myth that “all cats are aloof, independent creatures?” Mr. Kipling’s story about the cat who walked alone probably wasn’t the first, nor is it the last. But geeze-Louise, can anybody who has ever lived with a cat believe that load of detritus? Uh-oh, I feel a rant coming on… Cats are cats, and are individuals, just as each human is different. Some are smart, some are dumber than coal buckets, perhaps they’re stylish or frumps, gregarious or scaredy--well, you get the picture. We’d be accused of profiling or worse to paint all people with the same bland brush, now wouldn’t we? So don’t let others disrespect your cat, folks. I’ve a feeling this particular rant may recur from time to time. Back to the topic, though, I wanted to lay to rest another common myth that even cat people may believe. Cats do NOT need to drink milk. Cats DO require water. But once they’ve grown beyond the kitten stage, they truly do not need to drink milk for proper nutrition, and in fact, it could cause some (ahem) offensive digestive episodes reminiscent of volcanic eruptions. You see, kittens consume queen’s milk (that’s the name for a momma cat, by the way). Cow’s milk ain’t the same thing. And many adult cats lack the digestive enzyme that makes it possible for them to easily digest lactose, milk sugar. Certainly, come cats drink milk with no problem and many relish the flavor. If you’re set on treating your cat, look into purchasing some of the lactose-free milk drinks available for humans. The pet products stores may have cat-specific varieties, too. I have a lid to put on my beverage containers these days. Otherwise Seren dips her paw into the cup. And I know where her paw has been. (shudder)