A lot of times we worry about cats less because we assume they’re self-sufficient, graceful, and can find their way out of trouble.

But it simply isn’t always true – and both cats and pet owners have suffered as a result.

We perpetuate these myths by saying them flippantly, but the more we do, the more they start to feel like common knowledge. And when myths affect our actions, we’re all in trouble.

Here are 10 things we often say about cats that just aren’t true.

1. False: Cats always land on their feet

There are a lot of broken cat bones out there that prove this wrong.

While they are very adept at moving their bodies and twisting in the air so they land feet first, you can’t rely on that without putting your furry friend in danger.

Fluffy might be fine if she gets up on the counter, but don’t think it’s safe for her to balance on a beam or balcony.

There’s a reason cats get stuck in trees and it’s because they know they can’t always make the jump down. Even if they do, the amount of force put on their legs can cause serious injuries.

Train your cat to stay down from high surfaces or give them something to land on in between if they insist on exploring up high.

2. False: Declawing cats makes them better pets

Many vets refuse to declaw cats anymore now that we know how much harm it does to their poor little paws.

You might be afraid for your furniture, but maybe you shouldn’t have a cat if a couch is more valuable to you than an animal’s wellbeing. Declawing is not equivalent to trimming nails – it’s amputation.

10 amputations just to make sure you don’t get a scratch? Is that really worth it?

In addition, cats that have been declawed often suffer from chronic pain, can’t defend themselves, and often end up with behavioral issues as a result.

3. False: Cats aren’t good companions

If you want a pet that’s up in your face 24/7, then sure, get a dog.

But cats can be every bit as friendly and loving as canines. They’re simply different animals with different ways of showing their love.

Cats and their owners form very powerful bonds and you can expect to get an earful if you tell a cat owner that their precious puss is inferior to a dog in any way. We’ll fight you.

Sure, some cats have personalities that make them more aloof, but that’s often a function of their environment or upbringing – it’s not simply a “cat thing.”

4. False: All cats hate water

Ok, my cat does hate water she can’t drink. But that’s because she was never trained to realize it was safe (my bad).

Some cats simply love a good running faucet and others will jump in the tub with you.

And if you train a kitten to accept a bath when they’re younger, they can become accustomed to it (though cats are perfectly capable of bathing themselves).

Cats are also good swimmers – so let’s not stereotype.

5. False: Cats are a danger to pregnant women

We don’t want to mess up anyone’s arrangement to have someone else scoop the litter box or do the pet chores, but cats aren’t the threat we used to think they were for expecting moms.

Cats can carry toxoplasmosis, which you absolutely want to avoid if you’re pregnant. But it’s less likely for a cat to be infected (and therefore infect humans through their feces) if they are an adult, don’t eat raw meat (or things like birds), and stay out of the soil.

And while we’re sorry to have to tell you this, as long as you change the litter box every day, you don’t really risk infection. According to the CDC, it takes at least 24 hours (and up to 5 days) for the parasite to become infectious.

Still, we don’t blame you if you’d rather not risk it, especially if someone can scoop for you – just don’t use it as an excuse to get rid of your beloved pet.

6. False: Milk is a great cat treat

Why on Earth does anyone think it’s natural for a cat to drink a cow’s milk?

Your cat might be happy to lap it up, but it’s likely to lead to digestive issues.

While some cats can tolerate lactose, many cannot and they certainly don’t need milk as a source of calcium.

This is one myth where the risks just outweigh the benefits, making it a bad idea. And while you might not be risking much by leaving your cereal bowl unattended for a few minutes, it’s probably best to take milk off the list of special treats for your feline friend.

7. False: Black cats are bad luck

This is just so silly it’s hard to believe that the myth is still around. And yet it’s one of those things we repeat in jest that really does have an effect on our behavior towards these animals.

Black cats are far more likely to be abused around Halloween and far less likely to be adopted from shelters.

Be kind to the black cats you see, unless you really believe there’s a reason to be scared of witches or think they carry around the souls of the dead. In that case, just leave them be.

8. False: Cats have 9 lives

We assume cats can get away with a lot because of this myth.

Of course, no one believes they ACTUALLY have 9 lives, but it does give us the impression that cats will be fine in sticky situations.

Your cat is like any other animal, and while you may have seen them get out of impressively dangerous situations, a lot of pet owners will tell you they weren’t so lucky.

Keep your kitty safe and don’t assume it’s agility and independence will be enough to save its life.

9. You can’t train a cat

Well, if you’ve tried to train your cat to do something, you might very well be smirking right now. We get it. Your cat probably isn’t playing fetch any time soon.

But if you really want to train a cat, you certainly can since their behavior can be altered with positive reinforcement just like a dog’s. They can be motivated by clickers and treats to sit, come when called, or even roll over.

And no doubt you’ve seen cats do things like use a human toilet before. Do you think they taught themselves that one?

Don’t underestimate your cat – it’s all about YOU putting in the time and effort.

10. Indoor cats don’t need checkups or vaccinations

If you’ve ever had anyone walk into your house from outside or opened a window, you’ve exposed your cat to some of the same disease risks that effect outside cats.

Of course, your kitty is much safer indoors but you should never rule out the possibility of them getting loose or coming into contact with another sick animal either.

Veterinarian bills are expensive, but many cities have programs to help keep pets vaccinated at a discount and it’s worth looking into before deciding that your indoor cat can skip the checkups altogether.

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Source: Hill’s Pet, I Heart Cats