Whiskers, rumours and tall tales: common cat myths busted

As a doting cat parent, you've probably heard a few of these floating around. As a vet, and a cat mum myself, with a soft spot for feline health and behaviour, I want to set the record straight on some of the most common ones.

Myth 1: Cats despise the water

Plenty of cats aren't fans, sure, but "hate" is too strong a word for all of them. Some cats are genuinely curious about water: joining you in the shower, dipping a paw into a glass, or even fully wading in for a play. For the cats who aren't keen, it usually comes down to a few things: water messing with their grooming routine, the shock of being submerged, or simply how heavy wet fur feels. Either way, it's worth introducing water gently and on your cat's terms — running taps, a bowl left out to investigate, that sort of thing. If bath time is ever genuinely needed, some cats can learn to tolerate one with patience and early training. If yours flatly refuses, a warm, damp face washer over their coat does the job just as well.

Myth 2: Cats are loners

Some cats are happily independent, no argument there. But plenty are deeply social, forming real bonds with other cats, dogs and their humans, and they can get genuinely bored or lonely with too much time alone. If you're thinking about bringing home a kitten but you're out of the house a lot, it's worth considering two. They'll keep each other company and entertained while you're away.

Myth 3: Cats always land on their feet

Cats do have a clever built-in reflex, the "righting reflex," that helps them twist and reorient mid-fall. But that doesn't mean falls are harmless. They happen more often, and more seriously, than most people realise. High-rise falls are a real and costly risk for cats, particularly for those with easy access to balconies or open windows. The simplest protection is prevention: keep an eye on which high spots around your home your cat can access, and secure balconies and windows where you can.

Myth 4: Cats can’t see in colour

Cats aren't seeing the world in grey, though they're not seeing it quite like we do either. They see shades of blue and green well, with a much more limited ability to pick up reds and oranges. Which means that red laser pointer your cat goes wild for probably doesn't even look red to them.

Myth 5: Cats are un-trainable

They absolutely can. Cats are sharp, capable learners — they just don't come pre-wired to please the way dogs often do, so training looks a little different. Figure out what genuinely motivates your cat (treats and praise are a solid starting point, but every cat's different) and start small. Teaching your cat to stay calm during a bath, or to walk happily into their travel crate, makes vet visits and everyday life a lot smoother for both of you. So there you have it — five cat myths, busted. Cats really are remarkable creatures, and understanding what actually makes them tick is what makes being their person so rewarding. FAQs Do all cats hate water? No. While many cats prefer to stay dry, not all cats dislike water. Some enjoy playing with running water, dipping their paws into bowls or even joining their owners in the shower. Every cat has its own preferences and personality. Are cats really solitary animals? Not always. While cats can be independent, many enjoy companionship and form strong bonds with humans, other cats and even dogs. Some cats may become bored or lonely if left alone for extended periods. Do cats always land on their feet? Cats have a natural “righting reflex” that helps them reorient themselves during a fall, but this does not guarantee they will avoid injury. Falls from windows, balconies and other heights can still result in serious injuries. Can cats see colour? Yes. Cats are not colourblind. Although they don’t see the full range of colours that humans do, they can distinguish certain shades, particularly blues and greens. Can cats be trained? Absolutely. Cats are intelligent animals capable of learning behaviours and commands through positive reinforcement. Treats, praise and patience can help encourage desired behaviours and training success. Why do cats seem more independent than dogs? Cats were domesticated differently from dogs and tend to be more self-sufficient. However, many cats still seek affection, attention and interaction from their owners. Is it true that cats don’t need as much attention as dogs? Cats may require less direct supervision than some dogs, but they still need daily interaction, mental stimulation, playtime and enrichment to support their health and wellbeing. How can I keep my indoor cat mentally stimulated? Puzzle feeders, climbing towers, scratching posts, interactive toys, training sessions and play activities can help keep indoor cats physically active and mentally engaged.

Whiskers, rumours and tall tales: common cat myths busted

Myth 1: Cats despise the water

Myth 2: Cats are loners

Myth 3: Cats always land on their feet

Myth 4: Cats can’t see in colour

Myth 5: Cats are un-trainable

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