If you believe cats can see in the dark, you’re not alone. More than four in 10 people with pets think that, according to a survey of 2,000 people conducted by a company called OnePoll. But it’s not true.
Cats can see clearly in much lower light than people, making them well suited to hunt down a mouse in the gray blurriness of dawn or dusk. But if it’s pitch black with absolutely no light to make use of, they’re just as out of luck for seeing as we would be. (No animal can see in complete darkness, not even ones labeled nocturnal, like owls. The eyes of all animals require at least some light, although species like bats can “see” with their ears by sending out ultrasonic sound waves and listening for echoes.)
More than four in 10 people queried for the same survey also said cats automatically right themselves when falling from a significant height, landing on all four paws. The reality, though, is that it depends. A cat’s ability to quickly maneuver to a safe position is dependent on a number of factors, including his age, health, and weight. An older, overweight cat is not necessarily going to be able to right himself before reaching the ground.
The height from which a cat is falling also counts. If it’s too many stories up, the brunt of the impact is likely going to cause damage no matter what. And if it’s only a couple of stories up, the cat may not have time to get his body into the right position for a safe landing. (Moral: Make sure your cat cannot fall out any of your windows.)
Another myth, this one believed by three in 10 people who responded to the survey: all food meant for people is bad for our cats. Not true. Granted, a 12-pound cat requires only 250 calories a day, give or take, in order to stay trim. Thus, treats should be given sparingly, in amounts that might seem exceedingly small. But tiny bits of cooked skinless chicken breast or other flesh foods are okay, as are very small pieces of produce such as apples, bananas, carrots, and green beans. Treats, in fact, often prove very motivating when you are trying to teach a cat tricks.
