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Here are some fascinating myths, superstitions and facts about cats that have been passed down through the ages:
CATS HAVE NINE LIVES
Reality - The ancient Egyptians believed cats had protective powers and were divine creatures, a belief that could have laid the groundwork for the myth of multiple lives. This belief likely originates from the cat’s ability to survive falls and accidents that would be fatal to other animals. The number nine has been considered magical and significant in many cultures, adding to the mystique of cats.
Other cultures believe cats have multiple lives, but the number isn't always nine. Some Spanish-speaking areas believe cats have seven lives, while Arabic and Turkish mythology give cats six lives. Despite their amazing agility, flexibility, resilience, and righting reflexes, each cat has only one life to live.
CATS ALWAYS LAND ON THEIR PAWS
Reality - The ability of cats to land on their paws is known as the “righting reflex.” This reflex combines their flexible spine, powerful leg muscles and keen sense of balance. When a cat falls or jumps, it can twist its body mid-air and orient itself so that its paws face downward when it lands. This remarkable feat is due to their unique anatomy and instinctual behaviour.
One interesting trend related to cats landing on their paws is the study of their biomechanics. Scientists have studied cats' movements during falls using high-speed cameras and motion capture technology. By analyzing how cats twist and turn in mid-air, researchers have better understood the physics behind their ability to land on their paws. This research has not only provided insight into feline behaviour, but has also inspired advancements in robotics and engineering.
One professional in the field of animal behaviour explains, "Cats have an innate ability to orient themselves in mid-air due to their flexible spine and strong muscles. This reflex has evolved over thousands of years to help cats survive in the wild, where falls from trees or cliffs are common. It is truly a remarkable adaptation that showcases the agility and intelligence of these animals.”
While the righting reflex is extraordinary, the cat requires a minimum distance to reorient its body successfully. If the fall is too short, the cat has no time to twist mid-air and align its paws downward, increasing the risk of landing awkwardly or sustaining injuries. The necessary distance varies depending on the cat's size, flexibility, and agility, but generally, a fall must be long enough for the reflex to fully engage.
CATS AND WITCHES
Reality - During the witch hunts in Europe, cats, particularly black ones, were often linked to witches. They were believed to be witches' familiars—magical creatures that assisted witches in their dark arts. This association led to the persecution and killing of many cats.
BLACK CATS BRING BAD LUCK
Reality - In many Western cultures, black cats are believed to be harbingers of bad luck. This myth dates back to the Middle Ages when black cats were associated with witches and the devil. However, this is not a universal belief; in some cultures, black cats are considered good luck.
CATS CAN STEAL A BABY'S BREATH
Reality - An old wives' tale suggests that cats can steal the breath of a sleeping baby, a myth
that has persisted for centuries in various cultures. This belief likely arose from observations of cats drawn to the warmth and comfort of a baby’s crib, particularly during cooler seasons.
Cats are creatures of comfort and may snuggle close to a baby seeking the cozy
environment created by the infant's body heat. In rare and tragic cases, this closeness might have accidentally contributed to suffocation, which may have fueled the superstition.
However, no scientific evidence supports the notion that cats intentionally harm babies or "steal their breath." Modern experts advise supervising interactions between pets and infants, not because of malice on the cat's part, but to ensure the safety of both the baby and the pet.
CATS ARE ALOOF
Reality - There is a misconception that cats are aloof and do not form strong bonds with their owners. In reality, cats can be incredibly affectionate and loyal. They show their love in different ways, such as purring, kneading and following their owners around.
CATS HAVE SUPERPOWER
Reality - Cats have long been associated with supernatural. In ancient Egypt, they were revered and considered to have protective qualities. They were believed to have magical powers in medieval Europe and were often seen as omens.
THE ABSENCE OF CATS CONTRIBUTED TO THE SEVERITY OF THE BUBONIC PLAGUE IN THE 14th CENTURY
Reality - The role of cats - or their absence - during the bubonic plague has long been a topic of historical interest. During the 14th century, when the Black Death swept across Europe, killing millions, the lack of cats in many areas contributed to the severity of the outbreak. With their natural instinct to hunt and control rodent populations, they effectively controlled the number of rats - particularly those carrying the fleas that spread the plague. However, in the centuries leading up to the plague, widespread superstitions and a weave of anti-cat sentiment caused many to kill or abandon their feline companions, particularly in regions heavily influenced by church doctrines that deemed cats sinister, even associating them with witches and evil spirits.
With fewer cats around to control the rat population, rodents carrying infected fleas exploded. This led to the rapid spread of the disease, as fleas bit humans, transmitting the deadly bacteria Yersinia pestis. In many ways, the absence of cats compounded the disaster, as their presence could have limited the number of rats in homes and cities, potentially slowing the spread of the plague. As history has shown, the absence of these natural pest controllers during such a critical time may have exacerbated the crisis, illustrating just how vital cats were in maintaining a balance that helped prevent widespread disease.
CATS AND WEATHER PREDICTION
Reality - Some cultures believe that cats can predict the weather. For example, in maritime folklore, sailors believed that a cat grooming itself meant that rain was on the way, and a cat acting frisky was a sign of an impending storm.
CATS CAN HAVE A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE LOCAL WILDLIFE
Reality - The debate over outdoor cats and their impact on local wildlife has been ongoing for years, with strong opinions on both sides. On one hand, outdoor cats are natural hunters, and their presence in the environment can reduce certain rodent populations, which some see as beneficial for farmers and homeowners. However, the downside of this hunting instinct is far more complex, and researchers have shown that outdoor cats can significantly impact local wildlife populations, particularly birds, small mammals and reptiles.
Studies have found that domestic cats kill billions of animals every year in North America alone, with birds being one of the most common victims. Cats are highly skilled predators; even well-fed domestic cats will hunt, as it is part of their instinctual behaviour. This hunting pressure can be especially detrimental to vulnerable species, many already at risk due to habitat loss and climate change. In some cases, cat predation has contributed to the decline or extinction of native species in certain regions.
On the other side of the debate, some argue that outdoor cats are an integral part of the environment in which they live. They may help control populations of pests like rodents, which can spread disease and damage crops. Cats, as part of the local ecosystem, can play a role in maintaining a balance between different species. However, proponents of this view also acknowledge the need for responsible pet ownership, such as ensuring cats are spayed or neutered and, ideally, kept in enclosed outdoor spaces (like catios) where they can enjoy the outdoors safely without threatening wildlife.
CATS HAVE HEALING POWERS
Reality: In Russian folklore, Siberian cats are sometimes believed to have healing powers. Their purring was thought to heal various ailments, including respiratory issues and joint pain. While the soothing sound of a cat's purr can be comforting, no scientific evidence supports the idea that it has healing properties.
SIBERIAN CATS CAN SURVIVE EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURES
Reality: Siberian cats are well-adapted to cold climates, thanks to their dense fur and muscular build. However, they are not immune to extreme cold and should be kept indoors in harsh weather conditions.
CATS BRING GOOD FORTUNE
Reality - In Japanese culture, the Maneki-neko, or "beckoning cats," is a common talisman believed to bring good luck and fortune to its owner. These figurines often feature a cat with one paw raised in a beckoning gesture.
SIBERIAN CATS ARE SILENT
Reality: Siberian cats are known for their vocal nature. Although they are not as vocal as some other breeds, they can communicate through meows, chirps, and trills to express their needs and desires.
CATS AND HARVEST PROTECTION
Reality—In many farming communities, cats are regarded as invaluable protectors of the harvest, blending practicality with folklore. These skilled hunters have a natural ability to keep fields and storage areas free from rodents and other pests that can wreak havoc on crops. By eliminating or deterring these threats, cats help ensure a more secure and bountiful season.
Beyond their practical role, cats are often seen as symbols of good fortune and prosperity in agricultural settings. Some farmers believe that a cat's presence brings a form of natural balance, protecting not only the crops but also the overall harmony of the farm. Tales abound of cats safeguarding grain stores or keeping barns pest-free, and in some cultures, a healthy, contented farm cat is viewed as an omen of a successful growing season.
Their independent nature allows them to roam freely through fields and barns, guarding the harvest with quiet vigilance. Whether appreciated for their tangible contributions or their perceived mystical connections to abundance, cats have long been considered indispensable allies in the farming world.
SIBERIAN CATS ARE GUARDIANS OF THE HOME
Reality: In some cultures, Siberian cats are seen as protectors of the home. They are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune to their owners. This myth likely stems from the Siberian cat's history as a mouser, helping to keep the home free of rodents.
CATS AND DOGS DO NOT GET ALONG
Reality - Contrary to the popular saying "fighting like cats and dogs," these two species can form strong bonds when introduced properly, especially at a young age. Puppies and kittens are naturally curious, making it easier to adapt to one another's presence and behaviours. With patience, positive reinforcement, and gradual introductions, dogs and cats can learn to coexist peacefully—and even become the best of friends. Ensuring early and respectful interactions sets the foundation for a harmonious multi-pet household.
Above is a picture of our Shih Tzu, Zoey, when she was a puppy. At that time, we had no idea she was autistic and struggled with anxiety. She needed constant comfort, and we spent countless hours holding her to make her feel secure. Whenever we tried putting her down, she would become visibly anxious and refuse to sleep alone. Remarkably, our cats seemed to sense her need for reassurance. One or two of them would always cuddle up beside her, providing the warmth and comfort she craved. With their gentle companionship, she was able to relax and rest peacefully.
CATS REALLY LIKE BOXES
Reality – Cats have an irresistible attraction to boxes, crates, and other small, enclosed spaces. While many cat owners have witnessed their pets joyfully diving into boxes, there is more to this behaviour than just playfulness. Understanding why cats are drawn to these confined spaces reveals much about their instincts, their need for security and the ways in which their environments can be enriched.
One key reason cats love boxes is rooted in their natural instincts. As solitary hunters, cats are naturally cautious and seek out safe, secure spaces where they can observe their surroundings without being seen. Tight spaces like boxes offer the perfect vantage point for a cat to feel protected and in control of their environment. They allow cats to hide and retreat, giving them a sense of safety when they feel stressed or threatened. In the wild, small, confined spaces would also provide shelter from larger predators or adverse weather conditions, a behaviour that has carried over into domesticated cats.
Additionally, cats are territorial creatures and boxes often serve as an extension of their territory. By exploring and spending time in a box, they mark it with their scent glands, claiming it as part of their domain. This instinctual behaviour can comfort and reassure cats, as they feel more secure in a space they have “claimed” as their own.
Psychologically, boxes also cater to a cat’s need for stimulation and entertainment. Cats are curious creatures, and the enclosed nature of a box provides a stimulating environment where they can engage in exploratory behaviour. Whether jumping in and out, hiding, or even playing with toys inside, a box provides physical and mental enrichment. For cats, exploring tight spaces taps into their natural hunting instincts, as they often associate such places with safety and potential prey.
IN CONCLUSION, the myths and legends surrounding Siberian cats reflect humans' deep admiration and respect for these magnificent creatures. While some myths may be based on observations of their unique qualities, it is essential to approach them with a balanced perspective and appreciate Siberian cats for the wonderful companions they are.
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