Cats have long been shrouded in an aura of mystery, with many myths accumulating around them that people have believed from generation to generation. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish the truth about these small creatures from the legends that surround them.
So what do modern studies say about these beliefs?
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A cat has nine lives This is one of the most common phrases in both Western and Arab folk culture. It is said that cats have 'nine lives' as a metaphor for their supernatural ability to survive every time they fall from a great height. However, science has a different opinion on this.
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Cats can see in the dark Many people believe that cats can see in complete darkness, and in some cultures, these abilities are linked to the supernatural powers that cats are thought to possess.
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Cats do not bond with their owners Cats are often compared to dogs, and it is sometimes thought that cats are less expressive of their feelings towards their owners compared to dogs, which excessively show love and affection.
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Cats steal the breath of infants This is an old myth prevalent in Europe and America, where some believe that cats approach infants to steal their breath or suffocate them. This is, of course, pure fiction.
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Black cats bring bad luck In the Middle Ages, black cats were associated with witchcraft and sorcery, especially in Europe, where they were considered the companions of witches.
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Milk is good for cats Cartoons often show cats drinking milk, which reinforced the belief that milk is a natural food for them.
Why did these myths spread? Analytical articles on Psychology Today explain that humans tend to attribute mysterious qualities to animals whose behavior is difficult to read, and cats are by nature more reserved and independent, which made them fertile ground for myths.
This does not mean, however, that they are immune to harm in such cases as some believe. A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) found that many cats that fall from great heights actually suffer serious injuries.
According to a BBC science report, about 65% of cats in the study showed an emotional attachment to their owners, though they expressed it in different ways.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), many adult cats have difficulty digesting the lactose found in milk, which can lead to intestinal problems such as diarrhea or bloating.
Ultimately, cats are not supernatural beings or omens of bad luck, but animals with unique biological and behavioral traits that have been interpreted in imaginative ways throughout history. With the advancement of science, it has become easy to distinguish myth from reality.
All there is to it is that cats may sometimes be attracted to a child's bed due to warmth or the smell of milk, which was misinterpreted in ancient times.
