Myths are widely held false beliefs and ideas. Let’s explore four common myths about our favorite felines.
Myth | Truth revealed | Source |
All cats have nine lives | Like other living creatures, cats have one life. The “nine lives myth” is likely associated with the acrobatic nature of cats, though the exact origin of the idea is unclear. William Shakespeare referenced it in Romeo and Juliet, proving that the notion has been in existence for a long time. |
(The facts behind a cat’s nine lives) |
Black cats are bad luck | Black cats have a reputation for bringing bad luck to people whose paths they cross. However, this is a total myth stemming from Greek mythology and folklore. Despite this, in some cultures black cats represent prosperity and other good things. |
(Why Black Cats Are Associated with Halloween and Bad Luck) |
Cats always land upright on their feet | This myth is wrong because cats may not always land on their feet. However, in general, they do have an inbuilt balancing system known as the “righting reflex” which allows them to generally orient themselves and land upright on their feet. |
(Do cats always land on their feet?) |
Cats can see well in complete darkness | Cats do have good nighttime vision as they have lots of rod receptors which makes them able to hunt at night. Though their nighttime vision is superior to humans, they also see better in the daylight, just like people do. Ultimately, cats cannot see in absolute darkness. |
(Can Cats See in The Dark?…) |
