Here are some common cat fallacies and insight into cat behavior provided by rescue groups:

1. Keeping a cat indoors is cruel!  FALSE
   Cats kept inside are safer and tend to live longer.  They can still get plenty of exercise without being exposed to parasites and disease.  They won't get hit by cars and won't get lost. 

2. Spaying or neutering a cat will make it fat and lazy!  FALSE
   Overfeeding makes a cat fat and lazy.  Choose a high quality food and feed appropriately.

3. Cats can see in total darkness!  FALSE
   Though cats' eyes can adjust for seeing at night or in dark places, they (like humans) cannot see in total darkness.

4. Dog food is fine for cats!  FALSE
   Cats require a higher percentage of protein than dogs.  Cats should eat a high quality food specifically for cats.

5. Cats can live on fish or milk alone!  FALSE
   Neither of these foods can provide a balanced or even adequate diet for cats.

6. Cats with blue eyes are always deaf!  FALSE
   This is sometimes true, but not always.

7. Purring always means that a cat is happy!  FALSE
   Cats often purr when they are happy, but they might also purr when they are frightened or in pain.

8. Cats don't need water if they get milk!  FALSE
   Cats, like all mammals, need water.  Milk cannot substitute for fresh drinking water provided daily.

9. Cats always land on their feet!  FALSE
   Though cats are agile and have good balance as a rule, they don't always land on their feet.  A fall could seriously injure or kill a cat.

10. Cats just scratch - that's what they do!  FALSE
    Cats scratch to play, but also to mark their territory visually and by scent glands located in their pads.  They scratch to flex and stretch their body and claws.  They target furniture like the couch because it doesn't move. That is the same reason they scratch at the carpet. The scratching post you provide must be solidly mounted to keep your cat interested.  To provide an inexpensive scratch surface, you can take a carpet remnant and nail it to an appropriate corner in your home.  Be sure to place it at the approximate height your cat scratches.  You may even want to rub a little catnip on it! 

11. When cats spray it means they are not litter trained!  FALSE
    Often times spraying (cats marking their territory by urinating) is triggered by hormones.  Having your cat altered may alleviate the problem.  Visual stress or unfamiliar smells in the home can trigger a spraying episode. 

12. If a cat is spraying, there is no hope!  FALSE
    The problem may be solved in several ways.  First, rule out a medical condition. Take a urine sample to your veterinarian.  Cats that have a bladder or urinary tract infection will often stop using the litter box, but may not show any other signs of illness.  If the veterinarian declares your cat healthy, then it's up to you to solve the problem.  Make sure your cat isn't stressed by seeing other cats near its home through the window.  If you've recently adopted a second cat, make sure you have the same number of litter boxes as cats.  Have you changed brands of cat litter?  Is the box cleaned as often as your cat "demands?"  Is there anything new and "scary" in the room that houses the litter box?  Above all, do not punish your cat for something it has done in the past.  It won't make the connection.  Be patient.  If you catch your cat in the act, place it in the litter box immediately. 

13. De-clawing a cat is an accepted practice by humane groups!  FALSE
    Many recent studies have indicated that it is not a humane practice to de-claw a cat.  Some studies have compared the surgery to a human having finger tips removed. Veterinarians vary as to whether they approve of de-clawing.  Do some research before you subject your cat to any elective surgery.