From the folks at Petlane come 9 myths about cats.

1. Fat cats are not more prone to getting diabetes.
TRUTH: Although any cat may contract diabetes, fat cats are more susceptible to contracting this disease.

2. Cats cannot be trained to scratch on appropriate scratching surfaces.
TRUTH: There are some great products and methods to help keep a cat away from particular surfaces. With patience, most of the time a cat can be trained away from scratching an unwanted surface.

3. Physical punishment is a good way to teach a cat to behave.
TRUTH: Cats do not respond to physical punishment at all. They will not associate a behavior with punishment. They will, however, associate you with something bad. Some cats will respond to treats as positive reinforcement.

4. Senior cats do not like to play.
TRUTH: Older cats appreciate play time just as much as younger cats. They may not react as energetically, but they do enjoy it and need it.

5. The belief that indoor cats do not get bored.
TRUTH: Indoor cats do not receive the stimulation their indoor/outdoor counterparts do. They are much more reliant on their human companions for stimulation through play. Playing with your cat for short bursts about 10 minutes at a time several times a day will make your companion a happier, healthier and more social being.

6. Declawing is just like trimming a cat's nails.
TRUTH: Declawing is nothing like trimming a cat's nails. Declawing is not a "simple," single surgery, but rather 10 separate amputations of the third phalanx up to the last joint of each toe. A graphic comparison in human terms would be the cutting off of a person's finger at the last joint of each finger. Although most cats do survive this procedure unharmed, there are some very serious side effects that can occur and be permanent.

7. A house does not need to be cat-proofed.
TRUTH: Cats will explore every nook and cranny of their home. If you have fragile items a cat might break keep them out of reach. Also be aware of any plants you may have that could be poisionous. Cats do like to munch on plants from time to time.

8. All cats are alike, so it doesn't matter what type of cat we get.
TRUTH: No two cats are alike. It is important you understand the basic traits of any particular breed before acquiring a cat. Some cats are cuddly, some independent, some actually a bit more like a dog. Within a breed, each cat has his or her own special behavior. Be sure to spend some quality time with your cat or kitten before you decide to adopt it.

9. Cats don't use their litter boxes because they are angry.
TRUTH: 99 per cent of the time when a cat doesn't use his or her litter box, it is because the litter is dirty, it is the wrong kind of litter or the cat is ill. Checking with the Vet right away is the safest course of action.