What are some cat myths you have heard?

Sometimes, we think we know some facts about cats, but it turns out that those facts are actually myths. Even the most ardent cat-lover isn’t immune to believing them.

The first myth that most people probably believe is that cats should drink milk. While it’s true they may love the taste of it, and some are even more partial to whipped cream, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is good for them. They are can possibly be lactose intolerant, just like many humans. You’ll need to find another treat for them.

Another myth that people might believe about cats is that they hate water. While they may not enjoy swimming, cats are actually fascinated by water, especially running water. They may prefer drinking out of the bathroom faucet to their water dish, and even enjoy sitting on the edge of the tub while you take a bath. 

One of the saddest myths is the idea that cats shouldn’t be in homes with pregnant women or babies, because of fears of contracting toxoplasmosis or the cat “stealing” the baby’s breath. Toxoplasmosis can be a risk, but it’s a risk not only from cat litter, but also potentially raw meat or digging in the garden. This is a great time to give someone else in the household the opportunity to learn a new chore of cleaning out the litter box.

And cats don’t steal a baby’s breath. Rather, they just love to cuddle up next to something warm and soft.

Another truth about cats: They love to lodge at Morris Animal Inn!

COULD YOUR LITTER BOX USE SOME HELP?

You love your cat but there is nothing worse than the odor of cat urine. Long ago, this issue did not plague households when the majority of domestic cats spent their days outside. However, we now know the results of allowing our cats to become outdoor roamers. These risks include getting hit by a car or breeding more offspring with other outdoor cats, thus producing a colony of feral cats and a vicious cycle. Luckily, the majority of today’s domesticated felines remain indoors, but so too does the pungent odor of their eliminations. What’s a cat lover to do? We have some litter box tips to share with you from a newsletter distributed by Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine Feline Health Center, entitled CatWatch.

What Causes the Smell?

You know that it is cat urine from the second it pierces your nasal passages. It is an unpleasant odor that seems to never go away. According to CatWatch, “the acrid, ammonia-like smell results from the bacterial breakdown of nitrogen-containing components in the urine once it is exposed to air." Yum.

The Invention of Kitty Litter

According to CatWatch, Edward Lowe developed the product, "Kitty Litter" 65 years ago. Before his invention, people would use sand or ashes which tended to leave tracks all over the house. To avoid tracks and a messy house, Lowe instituted the use of clay minerals, which clump.

Photo Courtesy of wolfsavard

Tips

-Use a litter box made of easy-to- wash plastic.

-Make sure the litter box is large enough for your cat to fully fit inside comfortably or they may reject the space. CatWatch suggests that it be at least 14 inches by 18 inches by four inches deep.

-Clean the litter box weekly with a water diluted solution of chlorine bleach.
-Avoid placing litter boxes where there is noise like next to the washing machine. Noise can make your cat nervous.

-If you have more than one cat, you need more than one litter box.

-To prevent the smell, scoop at least once a day.

-Though heavily perfumed litters may prevent the smell, it could also prevent your cat from using the litter box.

-If your cat continues to reject the litter box even after trying different litters, litter boxes, and the placement of the box, consult your veterinarian as it may be related to a health condition.

Do you have any litter box tips to share with us?