Hugh: The Most Common Myths People Believe About Their Pets

If you’re a pet owner, you probably care about your furry friend(s) a lot and want to provide the best care you can for them. Of course, providing proper care starts with knowing what you can about the animal and its needs. The problem is that sometimes the wrong information gets out there, and whether you’ve heard about something through a popular saying, like “cats always land on their feet,” or a once-held belief has gone on to be disproven, you may think something is true when it isn’t. A recent poll asked people about the common myths they still believe in and found the most popular ones. In total, 92% of pet owners still fall for myths, so there’s no shame if you’re one of them. The most popular myth seems to be that a dog’s wagging tail signals happiness. In fact, it can reflect a positive or excited mood, but a wagging tail can also signify alertness or interest. Another 38% incorrectly believe that a dog’s nose being cold and wet means the animal is healthy, when a cold and wet nose is commonly a result of the dog recently licking it, done to improve the sense of smell.

When it comes to cats, there are also plenty of myths people take as fact. For example, 42% of people say their feline friends can see in complete darkness, but while cats are able to see in low light, they cannot see in total darkness. Do cats actually always land on their feet? They’re certainly agile, but the old saying doesn’t hold up, despite 41% of cat owners believing it to be true. What to feed cats also seems to be an area of confusion, with 29% of owners saying cats love milk and 30% say cats shouldn’t eat human food. In reality, plenty of cats are lactose intolerant and certain human foods are great for them.