Contrary to popular belief, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Feeding them milk can lead to digestive issues. It’s better to stick to water and cat-approved food.

While many cats don’t like water, it’s not a universal trait. Some cats can become acclimated to it, and certain breeds even enjoy swimming.

Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies need certain nutrients that can only be obtained from meat. A vegan or vegetarian diet can lead to serious health issues in cats.

Even indoor cats are at risk of diseases, some of which can be brought into the home by humans or other pets. Vaccines are important for their health and longevity.

As you noted, while cats often land on their feet due to their “righting reflex,” they can still get injured from falls, especially from higher altitudes.

Cats’ whiskers are incredibly sensitive and help them navigate their surroundings, but they don’t actually aid in balance, which is primarily controlled by their inner ear.

There’s no medical or behavioral benefit to letting a cat have a litter before being spayed. In fact, spaying reduces the risk of certain health problems.

While cats often purr when content, they also purr when they’re stressed, injured, or unwell. It’s important to pay attention to their overall behavior and context.

While many cats seem to enjoy fish, it’s not appropriate as their primary food. Fish-based pet foods should be a supplement to a more varied diet, as too much fish can deplete essential nutrients like vitamin E.

Cats can definitely be trained, though it often requires different techniques than those used for dogs. Clicker training and positive reinforcement can be very effective with cats.

While many cats are easy to litter train, it’s not a behavior they are born knowing. Cats may also refuse to use a litter box if it’s dirty, if they’re feeling stressed, or if they have a medical condition.

While it’s less common than in dogs, cats can get heartworm. It’s usually harder to diagnose and treat in cats, making prevention key.

This is an old wives’ tale and not true. Cats do have remarkable agility and survival instincts, but they are mortal and can be injured or killed in accidents, or get sick, just like any other animal.

While pregnant women should avoid cleaning the litter box because of the risk of toxoplasmosis, it’s not necessary to give up owning a cat.

Cats and dogs can and often do get along, especially if they’re introduced properly and gradually. The relationship will also depend on the personalities of the individual animals.

Catnip is not harmful to cats and can provide a lot of stimulation and enjoyment. However, not all cats respond to catnip, and those that do might react differently. Some become more playful, others become more aggressive, and some just become relaxed.

While certain color patterns are associated with gender in cats (for example, most calico and tortoiseshell cats are female), you can’t determine a cat’s sex just from its color.

Declawing a cat is not a simple or harmless procedure. It involves the amputation of the last bone in each of a cat’s toes and can cause behavioral changes and long-term physical complications.

This is an old superstition with no basis in fact. Cats may be attracted to a baby’s warmth or the milk smell, but they pose no threat to a baby’s breath. However, for safety, cats should not be left unsupervised with a baby.

While cats are more active during twilight hours (dawn and dusk), they aren’t strictly nocturnal. This behavior, called being crepuscular, is a trait they’ve inherited from their wild ancestors to optimize hunting.

Not all cats crave outdoor access, and many live happy, fulfilled lives indoors with the right enrichment like toys, scratching posts, and interactive playtime. Furthermore, indoor cats tend to live longer, healthier lives since they’re less exposed to dangers like traffic, predators, disease, and harmful human actions.

Cats have different dietary needs from dogs, including the need for taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A. A diet of dog food doesn’t provide these nutrients and can lead to serious health issues in cats.

All pets, including cats, need regular veterinary care. This helps to prevent and catch diseases early on. Indoor cats can also get illnesses that need to be addressed.

Cats are often portrayed as solitary creatures, but they can be very social and form strong bonds with their human families and other pets. While they may enjoy some alone time, many cats appreciate companionship and can suffer from loneliness if left alone for too long.