5 Common Myths About Cats — Debunked
As Told by the GM Pet Sitter Board of Directors
Interview by: Tülay Kayalar Durukan
There are many misconceptions about cats that have been accepted as truth for years — yet they are far from accurate.
These myths do not always remain as harmless urban legends — they can negatively affect your quality of life, your health, and the relationships we build with you. That is why I want to address them today.
Let us begin our interview…
Gece, let me start with you. People have been saying for years, "Cats are ungrateful." What do you think about this?
I think this is one of the most misunderstood things about us. We are not ungrateful. We simply do not show affection the way humans are used to.
Sitting quietly beside you, slow-blinking in your direction, following you from room to room, or sleeping at the foot of your bed at night — these are all our ways of saying "I love you."
We do not need to climb into your lap or be in constant physical contact to show love. Once you learn our language, you will see just how deeply attached we truly are.
Maya, people have believed for years that "Cats love living alone." Is that really true?
This is also one of the most widely believed misconceptions.
People assume that cats are happiest living alone. But when a cat lives as the sole pet in a home, that does not mean they prefer solitude.
Like any living being, we may need to communicate with our own kind, engage in play, and form social bonds. Of course, every cat has a different personality — some of us are more social, some more reserved. But when proper introductions are made and the right conditions are provided, many cats find great happiness sharing their lives with another cat.
So in truth, we are not living alone because we prefer it — most of the time it is simply because we have no other option. That is why "Cats love living alone" is one of the most persistent misconceptions about us.
Mina Luna, I want to ask you about a long-standing belief. Many people still think cats need to drink milk. Is that actually true?
In cartoons you always see us drinking milk — but real life is a little different.
As kittens, we need our mother's milk. But once we grow up, most of us can no longer digest lactose. As a result, milk can cause diarrhea, gas, and digestive problems.
The healthiest drink for us is always clean, fresh water.
Mina Luna and Marla, people sometimes say "Cats are happy on their own — they don't need to play." What do you think about that?
We are natural hunters. Play is not merely entertainment for us.
Through play, we safely channel our hunting instincts, release pent-up energy, reduce stress, and keep our minds sharp.
Cats who play regularly are far more balanced — both physically and behaviorally. Even just 15 to 20 minutes of quality play each day is far more valuable to us than most people realize.
Merlin, my final question is for you. People sometimes say "Cats go outside the litter box to get revenge." Is that actually what happens?
No, absolutely not.
We are not creatures that plot revenge. When we go outside the litter box, there is almost always an underlying reason — a health issue, stress, an environmental change, a problem with the box's location, its cleanliness, or the type of litter being used.
Please try to understand the reason behind our behavior before getting angry with us. Because we cannot speak. We are trying to tell you about a problem through our actions.
A Final Word
Today we spoke, but in truth, every single day we are telling you something through our behavior.
Please try to understand us rather than relying on hearsay. Not everything you read about us or see on social media is accurate. When researching, make an effort to choose reliable and scientific sources.
If you find it difficult to access accurate information, do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian or a specialist trained in feline behavior. Because sometimes a single piece of knowledge, found at the right moment, can change a cat's entire life.
Listen to us, try to understand our behaviors, and give us a life that suits our nature. All we ask for is to be understood, to feel safe, and to share a happy life with you.
With love; Gece, Maya, Mina Luna, Merlin & Marla