As with everything, there are a number of myths surrounding cats and their health. If you want to make sure you are providing the best health care for your cat, it is important learn the difference between true health facts and the myths. If you are in any doubt, the best course of action is to consult your vet for advice.

First and foremost, some people believe that spaying a female cat is not always the best choice. This is false, unless your cat has specific medical conditions, as diagnosed by your vet, which makes this surgery risky. In the vast majority of cases, cats are more at risk of health conditions when having a litter of kittens. It is not true that a cat needs to have a litter before spaying, and it is not true that neutering your male cat will cause depression. In a female cat, fixing can prevent cancer, ovarian cysts, and a number of other health problems. In a male cat, it will prevent unnecessary roaming and fighting, which can also help to keep your cat healthy. Beyond that, there are hundreds of cats without good homes. If you really want kittens, go to your local shelter, because they often get litters that need good homes or foster parents.

Another myth about cats is that they cannot be happy or healthy if they doe not have access to the outdoors. This is not true. If an older cat used to going out is suddenly confined, he or she may be very unhappy, but a cat that has grown up indoors can be very happy and healthy. Make sure that you provide lots of stimulating toys and some climbing towers for exercise, but don’t worry that your cat is somehow growing up unnaturally. Of course, you can use gates and leashes to take your cat outside in special cases.

There is also a myth that if there is a baby in the household, the cat will attempt to suffocate it or ‘steal the baby’s breath’. Amazingly some people still believe this! Cats cannot steal a baby’s breath! Neither will they deliberately suffocate a baby- they are more likely to want to snuggle up near a baby as babies are kept in naturally warm environments. By all means exercise caution and make sure your cat does not sleep too close to your baby’s face, but try not to completely shut the cat out either; give him or her the opportunity to get used to the baby.

One of the scariest myths is that cats shouldn’t be vaccinated against disease. A few years ago, there was a scare regarding VAS in cats, or Vaccine Associated Sarcoma. However, vaccinations are crucial to your cat’s life, and your cat’s vet should be able to tell you which ones are absolutely necessary. In general, when you have questions about health facts for your cat and his or her health, you should always seek your vet’s advice.