True or False - How much do YOU Know?

Here are Ten Common Myths about our best friends.
Let's learn the truth.

1. Cats always land on their feet.

Cats instinctively fall feet first. They may survive falls from high places, but they could also receive broken bones, or worse. Putting screens on balconies and windows can go a long way to help protect your cat from a disastrous fall.

2. Cats should drink milk everyday.

Almost all cats like milk. Unfortunately it can cause diarrhea if they drink too much, and they do not need it for proper nutrition. If you must give Fluffy her morning milk, the amount should be small.

3. Cats and dogs that are spayed or neutered will gain weight.

Pets aren't that much different than us. We tend to gain weight when we're not exercising enough, or eating too much. A pet is usually spayed or neutered just about the time his metabolism is slowing down a little, and if he continues to eat the same, he may gain weight. If Fluffy seems to be ‘plumping up’, it might be time to re-evaluate the amount of food you put in his bowl. You can also help him stay fit by providing more exercise.

4. Cats cannot get rabies.

Cats, bats, dogs, skunks, raccoons and ferrets can all carry rabies. Make sure all your pets are vaccinated regularly.

5. Indoor cats cannot get diseases.

Unfortunately, not true. We bring in organisms everyday on our clothes or shoes. Again, keep vaccinations up-to-date.

6. Tapeworms come from bad food.

Fleas carry this nasty parasite, and cats (and dogs) can become infected from swallowing the fleas. Snacking on infected small animals (like mice) can also lead to your cat developing a tapeworm.

7. Putting garlic on a pet's food will get rid of worms.

Garlic may make the animal's food taste better but has no effect on worms. The best way to treat worms is with the use of an easily obtained worming medication.

8. Pregnant women should not own cats.

Some cats can be infected with a disease called toxoplasmosis. This occasionally can be spread to humans through a cat litter box and can cause serious problems in unborn babies. This possibility is easily controlled by having someone else take over litter box duty.

9. A cat's sense of balance is in its whiskers.

Cats use their whiskers as "feelers" but not to maintain their balance. Nevertheless, never clip, trim or remove a cat's whiskers.

10. Animals heal themselves by licking their wounds.

Such licking can slow the healing process and further damage the wound. If necessary, ask your vet for an Elizabethan collar so your pet can't get at his wound.