March 2, 2025, 6:52 am | Read time: 6 minutes

Numerous myths surround cats, from their supposed invulnerability to their alleged independence. But which of these assumptions are true, and which are mere legends? PETBOOK clarifies …

Myth 1: Cats Always Land on Their Feet

This is probably the most well-known cat myth. And there is some truth to it–but it’s not entirely accurate. Cats do reflexively twist in the air when falling back-first. However, the innate righting reflex doesn’t guarantee they always land on their feet, as often claimed. If the fall height is significantly less than a meter, the cat doesn’t have enough time in the air to turn. Falls from great heights are particularly dangerous–they can lead to broken bones and even death. ¹

Myth 2: Cats Have Nine Lives

Today, we know that cats, like any other living being, have only one life. But in the past, they were said to possess supernatural powers. After all, they often survived falls and natural disasters like earthquakes or floods unscathed. In the Middle Ages, cats were seen as companions of witches and were often cruelly tortured and killed. Thankfully, those dark times are over, and these creatures have quietly crept back into people’s hearts on their velvet paws.

Myth 3: Purring Is a Sign of Contentment

For cat lovers, there’s probably no more beautiful sound than the gentle purring of their cat. When we lovingly pet our animals, they thank us with this pleasant, deep hum. But cats also purr in other situations, such as on the vet’s examination table. Few cats truly feel comfortable there–so what’s the deal? It’s simple: When stressed or injured, cats purr to calm themselves and activate their self-healing powers. ²

Myth 4: Cats Are Loners

This claim persists. The myth likely originates from the cat’s hunting behavior, as they prefer to hunt alone–unlike, for example, lionesses. But that doesn’t mean cats inherently won’t tolerate other cats. Well-socialized indoor cats, in particular, often enjoy having a playmate and cuddle buddy. However, there are exceptions: If a kitten was separated from its littermates too early or had bad experiences with other cats, it might become a loner. ³

Myth 5: Cats Are Afraid of Water

Most cats aren’t big fans of water. They would resist with scratching, arching, and hissing if their owners tried to bathe them. Fortunately, a bath is usually unnecessary, as a cat’s rough tongue cleans better than any washcloth. But why do cats dislike water? The answer: Moisture makes their fur heavier, and evaporative cooling makes their skin cooler–most cats find this very unpleasant. Yet, there are exceptions: Some cats enjoy playing with the stream from a faucet, while others fish in garden ponds. The Turkish Van, a breed from eastern Turkey, has a particular fondness for water and even swims voluntarily. ⁴

Myth 6: Cats Don’t Want to Learn Tricks

Cats are known for having their own minds and aren’t easily impressed by commands like “sit” or “shake.” But with patience, praise, and treats, they can learn what their human wants. Clicker training is popular in cat training. It is based on the principle of positive reinforcement and is entirely non-violent: As soon as the cat shows the desired behavior, the clicker’s sound is heard, followed by a small reward. This method can help train cats not to scratch the sofa. And with the clicker’s help, intelligent cats can learn small tricks, like jumping through a hoop.

Myth 7: Cats Don’t Form Close Bonds with Their Humans

Many people appreciate cats for their independence. Unlike dogs, they don’t vie for their owners’ attention. But that doesn’t mean they don’t form bonds with their humans. Experiments have shown that cats see us as their reference person, especially in unfamiliar situations. Moreover, when a cat is petted by its human, its body can release oxytocin. Known as the “cuddle hormone,” this messenger substance fosters a close bond. ⁵

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Myth 8: Pregnant Women Shouldn’t Keep Cats

It’s often said that pregnant women should stay away from cats. The reason is a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma, which can be transmitted to humans through cat excretions. If the child becomes infected in the womb, serious consequences such as calcified brain vessels and blindness can occur. Additionally, toxoplasmosis can cause premature or stillbirth.

However, infection through cats is rare. It’s much more likely to contract it from raw meat or unwashed vegetables. Pregnant cat owners can have a blood test done by their doctor. If antibodies against the pathogen are present, mother and child are protected from toxoplasmosis. If the pregnant woman has no antibodies, it’s enough to take certain precautions. For example, pregnant women should not clean the litter box themselves. 

Myth 9: Cats Can See in the Dark

Can cats see in the dead of night? Not quite. It’s true: Cats can see much better in the dark than humans, thanks to a special layer called the “tapetum lucidum,” located directly behind the retina. When a light beam hits a cat’s eyes, it’s reflected by this layer and hits the retina a second time. This residual light amplifier allows the sensory cells in the eye to process the light better, enabling the cat to see almost as well in moonlight as in daylight. 

However, seeing in the dark requires a light source. In complete darkness, even a cat’s eyes can’t see anything, and cats must rely on other means to orient themselves, such as their whiskers.