Cats have always been shrouded in mystery, inspiring myths that have lasted for centuries. From ancient worship to modern superstitions, these fascinating felines have been both revered and misunderstood.
Some believe cats have nine lives, while others think they always land on their feet—but how much of it is actually true? It’s time to separate fact from fiction and uncover the real story behind some of the most common myths about cats.
10. Cats Sink Ships
Sailors once believed that cats could control the weather with magic stored in their tails. If a ship’s cat fell overboard, it was thought to summon a terrible storm to sink the ship. This superstition led to the mistreatment of cats on vessels, despite their crucial role in controlling rodents onboard.
9. Cats Are Unloving and Aloof
Contrary to popular belief, cats form strong attachments to their owners. A 2019 study found that 64% of kittens and 66% of adult cats displayed secure attachment to their caregivers, similar to dogs and human infants. Cats seek contact, show distress when separated, and exhibit reunion behaviors, debunking the myth of feline aloofness.
8. Cats Cause Schizophrenia
Scientific studies have debunked the myth that cats directly cause schizophrenia. However, there is a correlation between cat ownership and increased risk of schizophrenia-related disorders, likely due to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii found in some cat feces. Exposure to this parasite, especially during childhood, can increase the risk. However, this doesn’t mean cats cause mental illness, and the link is still being researched.
7. Cats Predict the Weather
While cats are sensitive to atmospheric changes, they can’t actually forecast the weather. This myth likely stems from cats’ ability to sense shifts in barometric pressure before storms. Their heightened senses may cause behavioral changes, but attributing meteorological powers to felines is an outdated superstition that undermines their natural instincts.
6. Cats Can See Ghosts
While many believe cats can see spirits, there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim. Cats’ superior night vision and acute senses may cause them to react to stimuli humans can’t perceive, leading to misinterpretation. Their behavior is more likely due to heightened awareness of their environment rather than supernatural abilities.
5. Cats Always Land on Their Feet
While cats have an impressive righting reflex, they don’t always land on their feet. This ability depends on factors like fall height, physical condition, and age. Cats can suffer injuries from falls, especially from lower heights where they lack time to fully rotate. Elderly or overweight cats may struggle to right themselves mid-air.
4. Cats Have Nine Lives
Obviously, the belief that cats have nine lives is a widespread myth, not a biological fact. This superstition likely originated from cats’ remarkable ability to survive falls and dangerous situations due to their agility and flexible bodies. While cats are indeed resilient, they have only one life like any other animal.
3. Cats Are Witches’ Familiars
Many believed that witches could shape-shift into cats to move unseen at night or that these animals acted as messengers for dark forces. This superstition was so widespread that in some places, cats were burned or thrown from high towers in an effort to ward off evil. Over time, black cats became enduring symbols of mystery, magic, and even bad luck, a reputation that still lingers in modern folklore.
Related: 10 Ways to Keep Your Cats Out of Houseplants
2. Cats Steal Babies’ Breath
The myth that cats can steal a baby’s breath is an unfounded superstition. This belief likely originated from misunderstandings about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and cats’ curious nature. In reality, there’s no scientific evidence supporting this claim. Cats may be drawn to a baby’s warmth or milk scent, but they pose no inherent threat to infants when properly supervised.
Related: Toy Ideas for Cats Based on Personality Types
1. Black Cats Bring Bad Luck
The notion that black cats bring misfortune is a harmful myth rooted in medieval superstitions. This baseless belief has led to lower adoption rates for black cats and even cruel treatment. In reality, black cats are just as loving and deserving of homes as any other feline, with many cultures actually considering them symbols of good luck.
