By Ross Pomeroy

Copyright realclearscience

Nearly a third of all U.S. households  42.2 million  has a cat. Yet despite their prevalence, pet felines are the focus of persistent myths.

As a team of Brazillian scientists noted in a paper published earlier this month to the journal pets, misperceptions have followed cats for thousands of years.

“Such perceptions often influence the way these animals are treated and perceived even today. For example, in the Middle Ages, they were associated with superstitions and mystical beliefs in several cultures, being seen as malevolent demons, diabolical beings and treacherous companions of witches and occultists.”

While these more supernatural myths have waned over the centuries, modern varieties have sprung up in their place. The researchers detailed and debunked a selection of them:

Myth #1: Cats require outdoor access to be happy and healthy.

Research does suggest that cats permitted to roam outdoors are “generally less susceptible to developing obesity… are less likely to develop behavioral and urinary problems, and experience less boredom and frustration,” the researchers wrote. However, these animals are also drastically more likely to suffer from disease and injury.

“Advocates for outdoor access often justify their position based on the perception that cats are independent, with an intrinsic need to explore and travel long distances,” the authors wrote. “However, this belief may have cultural roots, and studies suggest that, in certain contexts, outdoor access may arguably bring more harm than benefits to cats welfare.”

Myth #2: Cats are non-social and independent.

The authors say there’s no truth to this myth whatsoever.

“These beliefs conflict with the current scientific understanding of feline behavior and domestication… Cats are facultative social animals, as they demonstrate complex social behaviors, such as affiliative behaviors, especially in environments that favor interaction, such as shelters, multicat houses, and free-ranging cat colonies… Behavioral studies have shown that cats can form emotional bonds with their guardians and seek their company at specific times.”

Cats are likely viewed as aloof because they are often compared to dogs, which are undeniably more social, the researchers opined. Sadly, viewing cats as asocial can harm them, as their caretakers are less likely to provide affection, exercise, hair brushing, toys, and veterinary care.

Myth #3: Cats are the primary spreaders of Toxoplasmosis.

Toxomplasmosis is a very common infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Over 40 million people in the U.S. are infected  most asymptomatically.

Cats are what’s called the “definitive” host of the parasite because it only reproduces and forms eggs in their digestive tract. Felines then excrete these eggs back into the environment via their feces.

So, yes, cats do spread toxoplasmosis, but it’s actually fairly uncommon to catch the parasite from a pet cat, the researchers say.

“The most common routes of transmission remain contaminated food and water, especially through raw or undercooked food. Direct transmission from oocysts in cat feces is rare, but it is still not recommended that pregnant women handle litter boxes without proper protection… A combination of proper hygiene and daily cleaning of the litter box prevents oocysts from maturing and becoming infectious.”

And, of course, if a pet cat is kept indoors with a human-provided diet, it’s highly unlikely that they will come into contact with T. gondii and spread it.

Myth #4: Cats don’t get along with dogs.

Cats and dogs don’t mix, conventional wisdom dictates. And cats are often seen as sinking the would-be relationship, deflecting the friendly advances of a curious canine roommate with hisses or scratches.

But dogs and cats co-exist peacefully more often than not, the researchers say.

“Although there are social differences, when conditions are right, both species can express friendly behavior towards each other. The compatibility between dogs and cats is influenced by several factors, such as the personality of the individuals, early socialization, environmental factors, among others. A study carried out in Israel to evaluate interrelationships between dogs and cats living together revealed that, in most of the homes evaluated, dogs and cats demonstrate a friendly relationship, usually visible through mutual play.”

Source: Machado, D.d.S.; Vicentini, R.R.; Gon�alves, L.d.S.; Luchesi, S.; Otta, E.; SantAnna, A.C. Unraveling Feline Myths: A Review About Misperceptions and Beliefs Surrounding Domestic Cat Behavior. Pets 2025, 2, 32. https://doi.org/10.3390/pets2030032