{Cats:

Fact or Fiction

Cats instinctively fall feet first They may survive falls from high

places They may receive broken bones in the

process If a cat falls from a distance under 12

feet they may not have enough time to right themselves

Cats always land on their feet.

FICTION

Most cats like milk but do not need it if they are properly nourished.

Many cats will get diarrhea from drinking milk.

If they are given milk at all, it should be in small amounts only occasionally. Cats should not regularly

be fed milk as part of their diet. FACT

Like any animal, cats gain weight from eating too much, not getting enough exercise or both.

Spaying or neutering is usually done when a cat’s metabolism has started to slow down so they need extra exercise and the right about of food to keep them at a healthy weight. Being spayed or neutered

does not cause a cat to gain weight. FACT

Any mammals can carry rabies Cats should be vaccinated against

rabies regularly according to local laws In PA, dogs and cats must be

vaccinated for rabies by 3 months of age and vaccination must be kept up to date

Cats cannot get rabies. FICT

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Indoor cats are still exposed to organisms carried in the air or on shoes and clothing

House cats sometimes get out and are exposed to diseases and worms through contact with other animal feces As long as a cat is kept

indoors, it cannot get diseases.

FICTION

Pets become infected with worms from swallowing fleas

They can also get tapeworms from eating infected mice or other animals

Tapeworms come from bad food.

FICTION

Garlic has no effect on worms

Putting garlic on a cat’s food will get rid of worms.

FICTION

Pregnant women should stay away from litter boxes or clean it wearing rubber gloves

The cat could be infected with toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease, which causes birth defects Toxoplasmosis can only be

contracted through the cat’s litterCat litter boxes can be dangerous for pregnant women. FACT

Cats use their whiskers as “feelers” used for: Navigation Measuring an opening

They are so sensitive that they can detect the slightest directional change in a breeze A cat’s whiskers have

nothing to do with its sense of balance. FACT

Licking a wound can actually slow the healing process and cause further damage to the wound

Licking a wound does not help it heal.FACT

Cats may purr when they are experiencing anything intense; even pain or fear

Cats only purr when they are happy.

FICTION

Cats need 5 times more protein than dogs do

Cats require more protein than dogs. FACT