【新手篇】新手必读-养猫的十大缺点（简体）

【貓貓知識匯總】 >> 【貓之新手篇】 >> 【新貓飼養之準備】

猫咪是很可爱没错，但，不要只看到猫咪的可爱面，有时候牠们根本就是恶魔投胎，专门折磨爱牠们的人类。饲养猫咪必须付出相对的代价，才能拥有牠们天真的可爱、贴心的黏腻。

以下就是猫咪的十大「罪状」：

1、破坏大王

猫咪是好奇又固执的一种动物，加上牠们有磨爪子的需求，只要见到家里有适合的物品一定难逃魔爪，一般常见沦为猫咪爪下物的东西有：沙发、书柜、床脚、窗帘、纸箱、书堆......甚至音响，都难逃被抓的下场。二个多月大的小猫因为正在长牙，加上开始学习狩猎本能，除了爪子也会利用小牙大啃特啃，这时除了家具，就连主子的手脚都会遭殃。放在桌子、柜子上的东西，牠们每一件都要仔细检查，轻则拨一拨了事，重则拨到落地为止，更惨的是直接吞下肚，所以养猫的家里通常无法放太多小饰物。

2、太过敏感

猫不像狗狗那般好客，大部分的猫怕生，见到陌生人进门通常或躲藏起来。有些猫咪很怕改变，例如家具的搬动、陌生人的出现、不满主子变凶、猫沙不干净、有新猫或新宠物加入等等，都会造成猫咪心理上的不安，反映出的行为包括：乱尿尿、拒食、攻击、异食、抑郁......等，这时还得抽丝剥茧找出原因对症下药，好好的安抚牠，有时还不见得有用，这点和其他动物比较起来实在有点麻烦。

3、发春或无

聊时的吵闹 

到了思春期，母猫因为生理变化会经常发生半夜嚎叫，公猫会四处喷尿。养在家里的猫则会想尽办法出门，小则吵到自己，大则骚扰到邻居，让人不堪其扰。

4、小猫过动

大猫懒得动 

刚断奶的猫咪一直到满一岁时，活动力是最旺盛的时期，在强烈的好奇心驱使下，不管看到什么都很有趣，不定时的爆冲，加上猫咪是立体活动的动物，可以天天在家里表演飞檐走壁的特技，这时家中的杂物会全部遭殃，也许小猫可爱，但是主子可能要天天收拾残局。到了猫咪年纪越来越大，体力不如年轻时期，最常做的事就会变成睡觉，白天睡晚上也睡，最常做的活动变成伸懒腰和打哈欠，呼叫牠的时候理都不理，偶尔冷冷的看着主子当作响应，对于性子急的人来说，可能无法接受这样的情况。

5、永远清不

干净的猫沙 

猫虽然不像狗必须每天溜才能让牠开心的完成排泄大事，只要天天清理沙盆就好，轻松多了，但是清猫沙是每天必做的功课，就算偶尔想偷懒一下，拖个几天才清理，万一遇上有洁癖或太敏感的猫咪，牠可能会利用随地便溺的手段来警告主子，只能每天铲猫大便，乖乖认命做个猫奴才。另外，猫咪每天在沙盆进进出出，带出来的沙会让房子里到处都看的到，像是清不完一样。这一点，作主子的必须勤劳清扫，才能保持家里的干净。

6、猫毛      

不管長毛貓或短毛貓，掉毛是貓最大的缺點，平時牠們已經經常在換毛，到了季節交替的換毛季掉的更嚴重，貓毛滿天飛舞的戲碼天天都在家上演，萬一家裡有個過敏體質的人，養貓變成一種酷刑，貓咪在怎麼可愛貼心，也比不過鼻涕連連淚水不斷的折磨，更嚴重的，吃這個也癢吃那個也癢，不吃還是癢。雖然說只要勤奮一點天天清理便可以改善，但是對於過敏體質的人來說，還是不要輕易帶貓回家讓自己痛苦的好。

7、超臭的
排泄物

当然排泄物没有芬芳的，可是猫的尿骚味(尤其未结扎的公猫)和屎味实在是令人不敢领教。不管使用除臭能力多强、多高级的猫沙，新鲜的便便还是能让家里更有「味道」。

8、自恃甚高

不受教，不听话是猫的缺点也是优点，有人会认为猫咪不如狗贴心，一喊就来，因为猫天生独立，能够自己照顾自己，所以不需要听从人类指挥，加上牠们对于疼痛的忍耐度非常高，有时很难从外观看出牠们正在生病，这时平日的教导就变的很重要。很多猫主子常会溺爱过头，变成猫才是主人，而主子成了宠物，适度的责罚与教导是必要的，否则日后猫咪要是生病上医院还是一样不合作，造成医疗上的困扰甚至延误病情，等于是自找麻烦。

9、爱抓昆虫
包括蟑螂

狩猎是猫的天性，牠们回报主子的方法就是献上猎物，以往饲养在外面的猫咪，会时常从外头抓回一些鸟或老鼠放在家门前，牠们是在对主子示好，不是捣乱，既使现在的猫都养在公寓中，难得有老鼠或鸟出现，但是牠们还是会将蟑螂或小虫子等处死后献给主子，对有的人来说是很恐怖的事情。

10、太花钱   

养宠物本来就是花钱的事业，尤其是养猫花的更多。猫咪的周边商品除了最基本的沙盆、食器之外，固定的支出就是饲料与猫沙了，更好命的猫咪，主子还会供给高级罐头或营养品、各式新奇的猫玩具或猫跳台等。另外，定期的预防注射与健康检查、洗牙、驱虫等医疗支出，也是庞大的开销，万一生了病，钱更是一直不断的往外流。养猫花钱吗？没错，非常花钱！

以上是我个人认为猫的十大「罪状」，当然不是每一只猫都这样，但是养猫前请先考虑一下喔！这些都是可能发生的「风险」，要是无法接受有任何一点，请千万不要只因为冲动而带猫咪回家，最后因为无法接受任何牠的天性而不好好照顾、退回、转送甚至遗弃，这样不如一开始就别拥有的好。

原文网址：http://www.sushicat.net/bbs/read.php?tid=9

：我们有那么讨厌吗？说到我们像恶魔投胎似的～～～

【新手篇】你會選擇那種寵物?還是....... （塗鴉）

【貓貓知識匯總】 >> 【貓之新手篇】 >> 【選擇貓貓基本法】

一個人生活時會想養一隻寵物來作伴，

如果只能選擇其中一種來好好​愛他，你會選擇那種？
還是.........

 

原文網址：http://www.wretch.cc/blog/e353304/12102256

：我是一隻被著貓皮的狗，還是你想養一隻被著狗皮的貓呢？你想清楚了嗎？

【新手篇】我怀孕，我依旧养猫！（简体）

【貓貓知識匯總】 >> 【貓之新手篇】 >> 【孕婦與貓之關系】

※作者Grace，部落格「やさしい時間、 やさしい生活」拥有近千万人气，纪录一个闲妻凉母 + 两只猫 + 一个小人儿的不无聊生活，清新温暖的纪录风格让她拥有一批粉丝。※

延续去年百年结婚潮，加上今年是龙年，一定有许多新手爸妈等着迎接新生命，其中也绝对不乏有养宠物的猫奴狗奴们。你们是和我一样，保持平常心继续开心当个猫奴，还是已经开始担心宠物会影响宝宝和妈妈的健康，准备送走猫咪狗儿呢？

(图／Grace)

为了解开各位新手爸妈的疑惑，Grace将我最常被问到问题写下来，提供给大家参考，如果还有其他疑问，也都欢迎大家留言给我！

1.Grace怀孕期间，有清猫砂吗？
答：不管是怀小P的时候，还是这次，现在宝宝38周了，我还是尽量自己清猫砂，当作运动，也顺便观察猫咪是否有正常排便。清完猫砂，我会立即洗手。

2.Grace怀孕期间，还是继续让猫咪上床，一起睡觉吗？
答：KIKI和BUBU每天都在家，也没有跳蚤，反而是经常出门的我们，容易带病菌或脏污回家，所以只要我把居家环境打扫干净了，不管有没有怀孕，我都让KIKI 和BUBU 上床陪我睡觉。

(图／Grace)

3.猫毛会不会容易让小朋友有过敏体质？
答：我怀小P的时候，家里除了KIKI，我还开始中途BUBU，后来到小P出生，我们从月子中心回家后，他们就共同生活在一个屋檐下，小P现在已经快五岁了，没有气喘，也不是过敏体质，三岁多开始去上托儿所也很少生病或被传染感冒，和其他妈妈比较讨论之下，我发现小P比其他小朋友不容易感冒的原因应该是喝母奶和不挑食的关系。除此之外，小P在我身体里就和猫生活在一起，多少也有提高她对付过敏源的抵抗力。


4.不怕猫咪身上有容易让孕妇流产的弓浆虫或其他会影响宝宝健康的寄生虫吗？
答：KIKI和BUBU都吃饲料和我亲自烹调的食物，不吃生肉，生食也没有饮用不干净的水，自然体内就没有有弓浆虫，另外，他们每年打预防针的时候，我都会顺便再请医生帮他们做健康检查，所以，我很确定他们都很健康，不会影响到我和宝宝的健康。


5.猫咪会不会和宝宝争宠甚至去抓伤宝宝呢？
答：其实宝宝刚回家的时候，猫咪会先观察这个新物种，胆子大的会观察一阵子以后再慢慢靠近，胆子小的则是躲的远远的，而且基本上猫咪和狗儿对宝宝的容忍度远比我们大人想象中的高，我反而都是担心宝宝对猫咪太好奇，在对猫咪上下其手的时候，不懂得拿捏立力道，硬把猫咪的毛整把给扯下来呢！


6.怎么清理床上的猫毛和掉的到处的猫砂？
答：多帮猫咪梳毛，多打扫，小孩睡觉的地方特别注意清洁，猫砂盆我放在阳台，选择粗砂，并且在进室内的入口处放张室外地垫，尽量减少猫砂进屋的机会。


7.一边养猫，一边还要照顾宝宝会不会很辛苦，甚至两者无法兼顾呢？
答：我只有养两只猫，而且他们是成猫很健康，如果真的很忙，每天也只要定时喂食换水和清理猫砂即可，（这些事情我到怀孕后期，会开始请老公代劳，慢慢让他分担家事）或许有些新手妈妈可能因为产后忧郁，觉得无法兼顾育儿和照顾猫咪事，而打算送走猫咪，但辛苦的育儿生活会慢慢的进入佳境，不知所措的时候，摸摸猫咪，其实很有抚慰心灵的效果，而且重点是育儿不是妈妈一个人的责任，一定要和爸爸一起分担才有意义。


8.如果长辈坚持要把猫咪送走，那该怎么办？
答：其实很简单，就是和老公达成共识，据理力争坚持绝不送走猫咪，努力把小孩照顾好，不落人口实。我个人的经验是妈妈叫我送走猫咪，我就搬出老公这张挡箭牌。


9.养猫会导致不孕吗？
答：现代人不孕的因素有很多，除了压力大之外，原因大多是因为体质虚寒而不容易受孕，若是没有经过医生的详细检查就把不孕的原因这个大帽子扣在没有表达能力的宠物身上，实在很不合理也有失公平。

(图／Grace)

10.养猫对小孩的好处有哪些？
答：我觉得最直接的好处就是能养成孩子有爱心和责任感，猫咪同时也是一种生活的润滑剂。但是，不要过度增加猫口，最好以三只为限，猫口过多容易造成经济负担，影响生活质量，也比较无法立即发现猫咪身体上的不适，给予立即的治疗。
现代人求子若渴，虽然信息发达，但是老人家对于宠物的传统观念还是根深蒂固，所以，我只能奉劝各位猫奴，一定要在婚前和另外一半以及双方父母沟通清楚并且坚持自己的立场，千万不要因为自己的无知或长辈的压力，就随意弃养你曾经视为家人的宠物，这样的让步并不会使你的婚姻生活从此踏上平坦的道路，反而是在帮你的孩子造孽，而且你也会在遗弃宠物的阴影下遗憾终身。

原文网址: 我怀孕，我依旧养猫！ | ETtoday宠物动物新闻 | ETtoday 新闻云 

【新手篇】养猫前自我评估（简体）

【貓貓知識匯總】 >> 【貓之新手篇】 >> 【新貓飼養之準備】


猫咪是绝佳的生活伴侣，但是当你决定让猫咪走入您的生活之时，你就需要对这只猫咪的一生负责，所以，在决定养猫之前，请先仔细一项、一项地评估，自己是否适合当个饲主。

1. 有足够的经济能力吗

「爱是无价的」，但确保猫咪能得到良好的生活与健康条件，是有价的，猫咪不应该因为饲主不愿付出金钱，而过着质量低下的生活，所以，个人的经济能力，仍然还是新手饲主在决定饲养猫咪之前，最需要先行评估的部分。

（图取自【宠物百科家族】）

2. 你是否是个有责任心与耐心的人

猫咪很聪明，也很独立，但是照顾猫咪，大多数的时候，都像是在照顾个活蹦乱跳的小孩，你需要有耐心，不过，也请做好心理准备，猫咪可能会有一直改不了的坏习惯，这时你就得学着妥协，因此，先确定你有耐心面对，并且搞定一个很不听话的小孩，而且你要有责任心，能对猫咪负责，因为，你是猫咪的主人，如果，你不是个有责任心与耐心的人，你并不适合养宠物。

3. 居住环境适合养猫吗

如果你是租屋族，要先确定能找到能养猫咪的房子，许多房东会规定房客不得养宠物，请不要瞒着房东偷偷养，因为，如果东窗事发，要付违约金事小，自己与猫咪找不到安身之处才是事大，此外，住在高楼也要注意猫咪的安全问题，要确保猫咪不会有坠楼的危险。

4. 你选择的猫咪适合你吗

不论在决定养哪种宠物之前，都应该先做足功课，养猫咪也是，要养混种猫还是品种猫？要养短毛猫还是长毛猫?要养成猫还是幼猫？要养公的还是母的？有些品种猫容易有遗传性疾病，长毛猫需要每天梳理毛发，成猫与幼猫的不同等等，都应该事先列入考虑，再来决定哪种猫咪最适合你。

5. 家人与伴侣都同意你养猫吗

不少饲主都会以搬回家住，家人不喜欢猫，家人对猫毛过敏，或是要结婚了但伴侣不喜欢猫，孕妇怕弓浆虫，生小孩之后，小孩会过敏等等各种原因为理由，而选择将陪伴自己生活的猫咪送走，甚至是遗弃，这是非常不好的，在决定养猫咪之前，一定要先取得家人与伴侣的同意。

6. 你愿意为猫咪付出时间吗

猫咪的平均寿命，约为15岁左右，所以，当你决定带猫咪回家时，你就已经对猫咪许下照顾她一辈子的承诺，虽然与狗狗比起来，猫咪是种很独立的动物，不用每天都要带出门散步，但是，猫咪依旧是需要你花时间照顾与陪伴的，因为你花时间在猫咪身上，猫咪同样也把时间花在陪伴你身上。

7. 领养或是购买

基本上，领养猫咪应该是最好的方式，收容所里有许多大大小小的猫咪，正在等待一个家，他们并不需要你额外的花费，你的一个选择，就可以拯救一条生命，如果你真的只钟情于特定品种的猫咪，也请选择良心猫舍繁殖的猫咪，真正的「血统证明书」，是用来证明猫咪的父母、祖父母都很健康，没有遗传性疾病或是过敏体质，不是一种「名牌」的保证。

8. 可以忍受猫的破坏力吗

猫与狗都是破坏狂，有的爱咬塑料袋、有的爱咬纸、有的爱咬椅子，有的爱咬床垫，总之家具与档可以用体无完肤来说明，很多重要数据常常这样被毁于一旦，如果要养猫务必把东西收好，如果没收好就请在灾难发生以后，学会宽容以对。

9. 可以忍受猫的脾气吗

养猫以后，你得勤劳一点，每只猫的个性不同，也许你会养到一只乖巧的猫，但也有可能是顽皮的猫，猫与狗的个性不同，比较难教导，并不是不聪明，而是他们有自己的态度且不希望被驯服，如果你想试着命令他们作什么，有时候反而适得其反。

所以，在决定养猫之前，请仔细地逐项自我检视，确定自己是适合养猫的，因为，饲养宠物不是儿戏，而是对一条生命负责，养了他，就不能遗弃他。

原文网址：【宠物百科家族】

：你考虑清楚了吗？真的要把我接回家吗？这可是一生的承诺唷～

【新手篇】Cat Facts and Cat Information

【貓貓知識匯總】 >> 【貓之新手篇】 >> 【貓貓有趣小常識】

• Sir Isaac Newton invented the cat flap.

• An ailurophile is a person who loves cats. The word ailuro is from the ancient Greek word for "cat".

• More cats are left handed than right handed. Out of every 100 cats approximately 40 are left-pawed, 20 are right-pawed, and 40 are ambidextrous.

• The ridged pattern on a cat's nosepad  is as individual as a human fingerprint.

• At their fastest, cats can run at 30mph.

• A group of kittens is called a kindle.

• A group of cats is called a clowder.

• The cat is the only domesticated animal NOT mentioned in the bible.

• Male cats used to be called "rams" or "boars", however in 1760, an anonymous author wrote a book entitled "The Life & Adventures of a Cat" in which the central character was a male called Tom the Cat. This book was hugely popular & the name tom cat quickly replaced "ram" or "boar".

• A cat's pulse is between 130 - 240 beats per minute.

• A cat's gestation is between 61 - 70 days.

• Cats have 30 vertebrae. Humans have 25.

• The normal body temperature is 102 degrees F.

• Like humans, kittens have "baby" teeth, which are replaced with their adult teeth from around 6 months of age.

• Cats perspire through their paws.

• Cats breathe at a rate of 20 - 30 breaths per minute.

• The cat's front paws have 5 toes & their back paws have 4. However, some cats have more than this number of toes. When a cat has more than 18 toes, it's called a "polydactyl". Poly comes from the Greek word "polys" which means many or more than one. Dactyl also comes from a Greek word "daktylos" or finger.

• Cat urine glows under "black light".

• Cats don't kill their prey with their claws, the claws are used to hold onto the prey, the teeth are used to kill the prey.

• The claws on the cat's back feet aren't as sharp as the claws on the front feet because they can't retract into the toe, therefore they're continually being worn down by walking.

• Cats have existed longer than humans.

• Cats walk on their toes.

• Cats can jump 5 times their height.

• The domestic cat is the only species of cat that can hold it's tail vertically while walking.

• Cats have the largest eyes in proportion to their body size of all mammals.

• Cats usually have 12 whiskers on each side of it's nose.

Original Website: http://www.cat-world.com.au/cat-trivia

【新手篇】你会选择那种宠物?还是....... （简体）

【貓貓知識匯總】 >> 【貓之新手篇】 >> 【選擇貓貓基本法】

一个人生活时会想养一只宠物来作伴，
如果只能选择其中一种来好好爱他，你会选择那种？
还是.........

原文网址：http://www.wretch.cc/blog/e353304/12102256

：我是一只被着猫皮的狗，还是你想养一只被着狗皮的猫呢？你想清楚了吗？

【新手篇】Cat Myths - Separate Fact From Fiction (5/5)

【貓貓知識匯總】 >> 【貓之新手篇】 >> 【貓貓有趣小常識】

Devon Rexes, Cornish Rexes & Sphyx's are hypoallergenic

In truth, a rex cat is no different from any other cat and produces allergen like all other cats. They are not hypoallergenic by any means, as claimed by some. Then why do some people seem to have no allergic reaction to rex cats? There is no simple answer to this question at this time, and more research is required to get the answers needed. One possible hypothesis is that as rex cats have less hair to shed, they simply deposit less allergen-laced hair around the home. But, whatever the reasons some allergic people seem to tolerate them. From personal studies and observations by Margaret Lawrence in the UK, she found that around 10% of people allergic to cats tolerate rex cats. Please, before you race out and look for a rex cat, remember you should always test your allergies by visiting home or catteries that only own rex cats, and test continuously over several weeks or months. As you don't want the poor little kitten to be re-homed if you find out you are allergic to him or her. Don't let your new cat become another statistic at a shelter.

Indoor cats cannot get diseases/parasites

Many viral/bacterial infections are airborne & can be carried into your house  through the air or on a person's clothing. Fleas & other parasites can also be brought in via a person's clothing.

Pregnant women shouldn't own cats

If a woman hasn't had prior exposure to Toxoplasmosis & becomes infected during pregnancy, it can harm her unborn baby. Cats are the natural host for Toxoplasmosis, however Toxoplasmosis can also be acquired from eating undercooked meat, improperly washed vegetables or gardening. I was tested for Toxoplasmosis throughout my recent pregnancy & remained negative even though I was living with 9 cats, one of whom had tested positive for Toxoplasmosis. Pregnant women should take precautions such as avoiding cleaning the litter tray, ensuring their meat is thoroughly cooked, washing vegetables properly & wearing gloves while gardening. There is no need to get rid of your cat just because you're pregnant.

Putting bells on a cat's collar will stop it catching mice & birds

This theory has been around for hundreds of years. I used to put bells on my cat's collars, in fact Eliot, who was my best hunter had three bells on her collar at one point & it did absolutely nothing to stop her catching the wildlife. In fact, there is new research to indicate that cats who have had bells put on their collars are better at catching prey. This is because they learn to move without  the bell making a sound & therefore they are stealthier.

For further information on putting bells on cat's collars, read this article. Cats Indoors.

All cats hate water

Most cats hate water but not all. Turkish Van's are known to be fond of water & enjoy swimming. My Bengal also likes to play with water, although I can't imagine him ever wanting to go swimming in it. I've known of other Bengal cats who enjoy playing with water also.

Siamese cats are mean

This myth came about in part from the movie The Lady & the Tramp where the Siamese cat is portrayed in less than a glowing light. In my opinion, temperament is a result of genetics & socialisation. If a cat is raised in a loving environment, the chances are they will grow up into well adjusted & loving pets. If the myth were true that Siamese cats are mean, I'm sure they wouldn't be one of the world's most popular breeds of cat. 

Original Website: http://www.cat-world.com.au/cat-myths

【新手篇】Cat Myths - Separate Fact From Fiction (4/5)

【貓貓知識匯總】 >> 【貓之新手篇】 >> 【貓貓有趣小常識】

Calico males are worth a lot of money

While it is true that calico males are rare, they are not valuable in financial terms.

All orange cats are male

No, it is possible to have an orange female. Unlike the orange male,  who only needs one copy of the O gene to produce an orange coat, the female requires the O to be on both chromosomes. If she has only one O, the resulting coat colour will be calico.

If you no longer want your pet cat, it is OK to release it into the wild because cats can fend for themselves.

It's a shame I am even having to reply to this myth, but sadly there are still some people who tire of their pet cat & leave the cat outdoors, justifying their behaviour by telling themselves that cats can fend for themselves. This is NOT the case. Pet cats who find themselves turfed out will most likely die of either starvation, injuries caused by fights with other animals, disease or be hit by a car. If you no longer want your cat then do the right thing & either find it a new home or take it to a shelter.

All male cats spray

Not all male cats spray. Entire male cats are much more likely to spray than desexed ones, which is another good reason to desex your cats. Female cats (especially entire ones) can also spray, although it's less common for an entire female to spray than an entire male.

You can't turn an indoor/outdoor cat into an indoor only cat

Yes you can, and my cats are a great example of this. They were all indoor/outdoor but reverted to indoor only (with access to an outdoor enclosure) with very little difficulty. It is easy to do as long as you ensure the cat(s) have enough mental stimulation.

Cats are independent & the ideal pet for somebody with a busy lifestyle

This is entirely dependant on the individual cat. Some cats are more independent than others but generally ALL cats need some companionship.  If you lead a busy lifestyle & spend long hours working it is advisable you have two cats, so they can keep each other company while you are out.

Cats smother babies

While extremely rare  it can happen. I have heard of two cases, one resulting in a fatality, the other resulting in a near miss. [1] However, there are several cases of parents accidentally smothering babies in their sleep. Care should always be taken to ensure a cat does not have access to a sleeping baby. 

References: 

[1] British Medical Journal

Original Website: http://www.cat-world.com.au/cat-myths

【新手篇】Cat Myths - Separate Fact From Fiction (3/5)

【貓貓知識匯總】 >> 【貓之新手篇】 >> 【貓貓有趣小常識】

Declawing won't hurt my cat.

Declawing is  more than simply removing the cat's claws, the last bone on the cat's claw is amputated. This is an excruciatingly painful procedure & one which not all cats will fully recover from. Many declawed cats are surrendered to shelters because of behavioural problems they developed after being declawed including biting & refusal to use their litter tray.

Cats by nature walk on their toes, so after they've been declawed, walking often becomes extremely painful to them.

If you are worried about your cat scratching the furniture (or your family) you can try trimming your cat's claws or you could put Soft Paws on it.

Can I feed my cat dog food?

Feeding your cat dog food is extremely dangerous. Dog food is missing essential the essential nutrients taurine & arachidonic acid. Taurine deficiency can lead to blindness & arachidonic acid can lead to dry, scaly skin. Cats require a higher protein & fat content in their diet.

Cat fur causes allergies

The primary cause of allergic reactions to cats is caused by allergens found in the cat sebaceous glands in the cat's skin, such as the allergenic glycoprotein called Fel D1(short for "Felis domesticus"), it is also secreted via saliva in lesser quantities. When cats lick themselves, they spread this protein, which is rather sticky, and glues itself onto dust particles, the home, your clothing and their fur; whether it's long, short, straight, curly, or absent. As all cats have sebaceous glands, all cat breeds can potentially cause allergies. Allergic allergens are also found in the faeces, serum, urine, mucous, dander, and hair roots of the cat.

A cat purrs because it's happy

Well yes, cats do purr when they're happy but they will sometimes purr when they are in pain. Cats have been known to purr when they are giving birth & they will sometimes purr when they are dying. Purring is more an expression of an emotion than an expression of happiness.

Cats will not mate with their siblings/parents/offspring

Cats do not share the same taboos about incest as humans do. If left entire, closely related cats including brother & sister, parent to offspring will mate. It is advisable to desex your cats before 6 months to prevent this from happening.

All calico (tortoiseshell) cats are female

No, while the vast majority of calico cats are female, there is the occasional male. However, virtually all of these males are sterile. the calico colour is sex linked. For a cat to be calico it must have two X chromosomes ergo the cat is female. In rare instances however a male calico will be produced. This usually happens because the cat has an extra chromosome. So, instead of him being XY, he is XXY. These cats are known as Kleinfelter males.

Approximately 1-3,000 calico's are male & out of those only 1-10,000 are fertile.

Original Website: http://www.cat-world.com.au/cat-myths

【新手篇】Cat Myths - Separate Fact From Fiction (2/5)

【貓貓知識匯總】 >> 【貓之新手篇】 >> 【貓貓有趣小常識】

My cat will get fat & lazy if it is desexed.

By desexing your cat, you are preventing it from contributing to the very serious over population of kittens & cats. Entire male cats run the risk of testicular cancer, abscesses caused by fighting, being hit by a car while roaming, FIV (Feline Aids) & FeLV. Entire female cats have a greater risk of breast cancer & can develop pyometra (infection of the uterus), plus she can contract FIV & FeLV from an infected male, car accidents.

Some entire females will often go off their food when they are in heat, which happens several times a year. Entire males will roam the neighbourhood looking for a female to mate with. Both of these can cause cats to become underweight. When your cat has been desexed, it's mind is no longer on finding a partner. So, while a desexed cat won't gain weight as a result of the operation, an entire cat "may" lose weight because it has other things on it's mind.

If you find your cat is putting on weight, it is recommended that you seek advice from your vet, NEVER put your cat on a diet without veterinary supervision as this can lead to a life threatening condition called Hepatic Lipidosis. Regular exercise will also ensure your cat doesn't become overweight.

My female cat should have one litter before she is spayed

Not at all, in fact it is better to have her spayed before 6 months of age to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. 

Cats must be 6 months before they can be desexed.

With modern anaesthetics, cats can now be safely desexed as young as 8 weeks of age. For further information on early desexing, read this article. Early spay/neuter.

Cats always land on their feet.

Do cats always land on their feet? Well...it depends, if the cat falls a very short distance from the ground it doesn't have enough time to right itself. A cat will be seriously injured & quite possibly killed if it falls from a great height.  There is a new term coined by American veterinarians called "high rise syndrome". Due to the ever increasing human population, high rise apartments are becoming more the norm & vets are seeing many cats who have been injured falling out of high rise apartments.

Original Website: http://www.cat-world.com.au/cat-myths