5 Pet ‘Facts’ That Are Actually Myths!

You’d be surprised by how many things you think you know about pets are actually dog or cat myths . From the alpha dog to cats loving milk, some “true and trusted” information is anything but!

Sadly, some pet myths have the potential to limit our pets’ happiness – or at the very least their diet. But worse, some could cause them actual harm. There’s also the awkward reality of the truth being misdiagnosed as myths. How is any pet parent worth their salt meant to discern the line between fact and fiction?

Not to worry – PD Insurance is here to do it for you. Sit back, relax as we bust five top pet myths, here:

Myth #1. The Alpha dog dominates

Yes the alpha dog concept is a myth. But for years dog trainers have operated on the belief that dogs follow a pecking order with one top dog. While it’s entirely possible to force this behaviour on dogs, it’s not intrinsic. Nor is it kind to dogs.

The alpha dog myth originates from research on captive wolves. The first problem with the research is that captive wolves behave differently from wolves in the wild, much as you or I might. Another issue is that dogs and wolves share DNA but essentially they have market differences. Keen to know more – then read why were dogs domesticated.

The alpha dog belief was used to justify ‘dominance training’ for dogs that relies on punishment and fear. Dominance training has been around since the 1940s and come to think of it, this method bears a striking resemblance to post World War II education. Thankfully, we’re well over that line now.

We now know that fear based learning isn’t the golden standard and in fact, positive reinforcement dog training yields greater success. Cats have never spawned this myth – but then again, you can’t train cats… can you?

Myth #2. You can’t train a cat (to do dog stuff)

Some of you may already know that you absolutely can train cats to do dog stuff. Various different cat breeds are known for enjoying the good ol’ game of catch and some even learn to open doors…

If you’re reading this and thinking boy oh boy, that’s the type of cat I’d like, know there are not one but many breeds that might do so. The Maine Coon, Siamese, Burmilla and the Toyga cat (a real thing, yes) are some examples. Here are some cat training guides for your meowser:

• Cat toilet training (seriously)
• Training a cat to walk on a lead
• Cat litterbox training (golden oldies)

Regardless of whether you adopt a cat that’s mixed breed or you get a purebred cat, you may be able to train them. It really depends on the cat and his or her personality. 😸

Myth #3. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks

Now that we’ve busted some cat myths about felines not learning dog tricks, let’s bust the one about old dogs not learning new tricks. Firstly, young animals tend to learn the fastest – that’s true of humans children too. Everything is new, which is one reason puppy training is best done sooner than later.

But, behaviours are learnt and can be unlearned and replaced by different and new behaviours. This is especially crucial for rescue dogs that have traumatic pasts. Generally they feel fear (read is my dog scared to know the signs) and can be afraid of people, places, things and… learning.

But that doesn’t mean they can’t. It simply means they need the support to learn to trust again. They need confident, clear guidance to unlearn the pain they’ve known and then learn new behaviours. So yes, while it can take a little longer to teach an old dog new tricks, it’s most certainly possible.

Often the best way to help fast track teaching an old dog new behaviours is with the help of a pet behaviourist.

Myth #4. Meow loves milk, one of the enduring cat myths

Is milk good for cats? At some point many cat owners are compelled to google this question and that’s thanks to one of enduring cat myths about felines loving the stuff. Although some meowsers may enjoy a small saucer of milk on rare occasions, they’re actually lactose intolerant.

Why? Well, mammals produce milk for their young. A mummy cow makes milk that’s fit for a calf which if you think about it is a fairly big baby. As such, cows’ milk is packed with powerful enzymes that are perfectly calibrated for a calf’s digestive system and growth requirements but not for a cat.

After all, a cat is a much smaller mammal than a cow. It’s for this very reason many humans are lactose intolerant too. Being lactose intolerant means a cat might like lapping up milk but they’re likely to have an upset tummy afterwards. Read what do cats like to eat for breakfast for some wholesome alternatives to milk.

Feeding cow’s milk to kittens has the potential to cause diarrhoea which can be life threatening. Kittens that don’t have a mum to suckle from, or who can’t for some reason should instead be fed kitten formula. If you’re not convinced then read is milk bad for your cat for the full story.

Another reason this cat myth needs debunking is that the high fat content in cow’s milk (again – made for baby cows and not cats) can lead to weight gain. Obesity is at its highest recorded levels in pets today. It can lead to diabetes in dogs and cats along with several other ailments. Find out more about average cat weight.

Myth #5. Dogs don’t see colour

It’s true that dogs don’t necessarily see colour the way humans do, but they certainly don’t live life in a black and white world either. Dogs simply see light and colour differently from the way humans do. Then again, it’s debatable whether you or I see colour the same way too…

But let’s not digress. The point is that animals eyes’ evolve to see that which they need to – or in some cases – that which their predators need them to. For instance, deer don’t see orange making them easy for tigers to catch. Humans and apes on the other hand eat a broad spectrum of food from fruit, veg and grasses (sugar/grains) to meat and fish.

That’s why our eyes are evolved to pick out a rather large spectrum of colour. Dogs have their own evolutionary vision requirements that gives them a somewhat narrower (but still colourful) spectrum of colour vision. Read all about it in our dedicated article that covers dog vision.

Now that we’ve dispelled these dog and cat myths… what about the truth?

Now that we’ve debunked these five dog and cat myths, let’s look at some interesting animal facts that sometimes get bandied around as fiction.

• All ginger cats are male. While not absolutely every ginger cat is male, this is mostly true. Read are all ginger cats male to see how this is thanks to genetics.
• Cats always land on their feet. Read why do cats land on their feet to understand how the answer lies in their unique spine.

Cats do have a tendency to be shrouded in mystery, perhaps that’s why both these examples are the feline kind.

Myths about dog and cat insurance

Since we’re busting dog and cat myths, we’ve also debunked these top five pet insurance myths. Pet insurance is still relatively new to the market, newer than health insurance for humans anyway. However, the costs related to veterinary care aren’t that different to those for us.

When your pet lands up injured, ill, whether short or long-term and needs medical care, having the financial security of a pet plan can make a world of difference. Not just to your bank balance, but to your pet having health care they need and you not having to weigh up other options.

Pet insurance doesn’t cost much, but the wellbeing it provides can be priceless. Did you know you get one or more months of FREE pet insurance when buying an online policy? Click below to find out more.