In Germany, cats are a beloved companion, residing in about 25% of households, according to a recent survey by the Central Association of Zoological Businesses. Despite their ubiquity, many widely held beliefs about these enigmatic animals are half-truths. As World Cat Day approaches on August 8, it is a fitting moment to clarify these feline myths with insights from experts like veterinarian Dunia Thiesen-Moussa.
One prevalent myth is that cats can see in complete darkness. While it is true that cats have superior night vision compared to humans, thanks to their abundance of rods in the retina and a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum, they are not infallible in pitch-black conditions. Cats require only about one-sixth of the light needed by humans to detect their surroundings, making them adept at navigating low-light environments. Nevertheless, they still need some light to see and will rely on other senses in total darkness.
Another common belief is that cats purr exclusively when they are content. This notion is partially accurate. According to Dunia Thiesen-Moussa, purring serves as a multifaceted communication tool for cats. While purring can indicate pleasure, it is also a response to fear, pain, or a method to soothe themselves or others. The purring vibrations, which range between 20 to 30 Hertz, are not only calming but may also have therapeutic effects, promoting healing in bones and joints.
The idea that cats always land on their feet is another myth worth dissecting. Cats possess a remarkable righting reflex, which allows them to rotate their bodies in mid-air to land on their feet. This reflex involves rapid rotation of the front and rear parts of their body, with the tail helping to balance and stabilize. Despite this incredible ability, falls from significant heights can still result in serious injuries if the cat does not have adequate time to complete the rotation or if the fall exceeds their body’s capacity to absorb impact.
The belief that dogs and cats inherently misunderstand each other is partly true. Dogs and cats communicate using different body languages, leading to frequent misinterpretations. For example, a wagging tail in dogs typically signals happiness, whereas in cats, it can indicate agitation or a readiness to strike. Similarly, a cat’s purring might be misread as growling by a dog, and a dog’s barking could be perceived as a threat by a cat. However, with time and proper socialization, many cats and dogs learn to coexist peacefully in the same household.
Contrary to the stereotype that all cats are afraid of water, their relationship with water is quite varied. While many domestic cats show a reluctance to get wet, there are exceptions. Breeds like the Maine Coon are known for their affinity for water, and certain wild species, such as the fishing cat of South Asia and the Turkish Van cat, are known for their swimming abilities and love for aquatic environments. The aversion to water seen in many house cats is likely a result of their evolutionary history as desert-dwelling animals, where excessive moisture could hamper their agility.
