7 Common Aussie Cat Myths, Debunked

Cats are surrounded by myths that can make caring for them confusing. From milk and water habits to night-time behaviour and feeding routines, misinformation spreads fast online. This guide clears up the most common cat myths using real facts about feline biology and nutrition

1) Cats hate water

Most cats dislike being wet, but the reason is practical, not “personality.” Their coats can take a long time to dry which lowers body temperature and adds weight that makes escape harder. Cats also descend from desert-adapted ancestors that had little exposure to rainfall, so avoidance is normal. That said, not all cats run from water. Some will paw at a dripping tap or even step into the shower to “help.” It really depends on the cat, so we will give this a soft debunk.

Althoughm if you ever need to bathe your cat, ask your vet how to do it safely and keep sessions brief. Blue Cross

What to do

• Prioritise drinking over bathing. Offer a wide ceramic or stainless fountain and place it away from food bowls and litter. Multiple quiet water stations increase intake. icatcare.org

• Keep coats healthy with routine brushing rather than bathing, unless your vet says otherwise

2) Cats always land on their feet

Cats have a righting reflex and flexible spines, which helps them rotate mid-air, but it is not a force field. Cats can be injured by falls from windows or balconies at any height. Apartment cats are at particular risk during warm months when windows are propped open. Basically, they’re gymnasts, not superheroes, and no amount of cat agility beats common sense window safety. Fit secure screens or pet mesh and give vertical perches indoors so they climb safely. kinship.com

What to do

• Install window or balcony mesh and keep flyscreens latched.

• Place cat trees away from open ledges.

• If a fall occurs, see a vet immediately even if your cat stands up after. Internal injuries are common.

3) Do cats only purr when they are happy

Purring often signals contentment, but it can also appear with pain, fear, or illness because the vibration is self-soothing. Context matters. A cat that hides, eats less, or purrs while breathing fast should be checked by a vet. Track eating, litter habits, and activity alongside mood, not just the sound itself. But typically, yes your fur ball is likely enjoying their time on your lap. Think of it like human humming, sometimes it’s joy, sometimes it’s nerves, and sometimes they’re just vibing.

What to do

• Note time, place, and behaviour around the purr.

• Create a calm feeding routine so you can spot changes quickly.

• Seek veterinary advice if purring comes with withdrawal, reduced appetite, or laboured breathing.

4) Can cats see in complete darkness

Cats see better than we do in low light thanks to wide pupils, rod-rich retinas, and a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum. That boosts sensitivity, but it is not true “night vision.” In total darkness there is no light to amplify, so they cannot see. They’re night-time pros, sure, but if you switch the lights off completely, they’re just as likely to walk into the coffee table as you are. Keep hall lights dim at night and avoid clutter in walkways to prevent bumps for seniors. 

What to do

• Schedule play and meals at dawn or dusk when cats are naturally most alert.

• Use soft night lights near stairs or litter areas for older cats.

5) Cats are nocturnal

Not exactly. Cats are crepuscular which means most active at dawn and dusk, but they can adapt to your schedule. “Play then feed” in the evening satisfies their hunt-eat-groom-sleep cycle and reduces midnight zoomies. Consistency matters more than intensity. Ten minutes of wand-toy play followed by dinner often settles the night. TICA - The International Cat Association

What to do

• Add 10 to 15 minutes of interactive play before the evening meal.

• Keep lights lower in the late evening to support wind-down.

• Offer puzzle feeders for indoor enrichment.
  
  

6) Should I give my cat cow’s milk

Skip it. After weaning, many cats lose lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose, so cow’s milk can cause diarrhoea or stomach upset. A complete and balanced diet already provides calcium and other nutrients. So next time they meow at your cereal bowl, just remind them, “You’re lactose’s biggest fan, not its friend.” If you want a treat, choose cat-specific milk sparingly and keep fresh water out all day. Kittens need mum’s milk or a vet-approved formula, not cow’s milk.  

What to do

• Provide multiple water stations and consider a fountain for picky drinkers. icatcare.org

• Treat milk as an occasional, cat-specific product if used at all.

7) Fresh food is the same as wet food

It’s easy to assume that fresh and wet food are the same, they both look soft, come in portions, and contain moisture. But the similarity ends there. Most supermarket wet foods are ultra-processed, cooked at high temperatures, and preserved for long shelf life. That heat destroys many natural nutrients, and synthetic vitamins are added back in later to meet minimum standards.

Fresh food, on the other hand, is lightly cooked to retain its natural amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins, then snap-frozen to lock in freshness without preservatives. It’s closer to what cats would eat naturally. High in animal protein, low in fillers, and full of real moisture that supports kidney and urinary health. It’s also easier to digest, which means better nutrient absorption and smaller, less odorous stools (a bonus for everyone).

So while both fresh and wet food look similar, their nutritional quality and freshness couldn’t be more different.

What to do

• Choose lightly cooked, fresh meals over heat-blasted tins or pouches.
  
  
• Look for AAFCO or FEDIAF complete and balanced claims from reputable brands.
  
  
• Check out Louis for gently cooked, frozen for freshness, that's nutritionally complete.
  
  

• Keep at least two water sources per cat and refresh daily.
  

Myths about cats often come from outdated information or human habits that don’t match feline needs. By understanding how cats really eat, drink, and behave, you can make smarter choices that keep them healthy for years to come. For food that’s scientifically balanced, gently cooked, and made locally, explore Louis Fresh Recipes and see the difference that real, fresh nutrition makes.