These dangerous myths are doing a lot of harm to cats and the way we think about them! Today we're setting the record straight on 8 different common myths about cats.

Myth : Declawing a cat is a minor procedure

Do : Declawing is an amputation and the surgery is extremely painful – the procedure involves cutting off the tip of the finger down to the first phalanx. In the long run, declawing a cat can alter many things, even the way your cat walks, which can cause other physical ailments such as arthritis.

The essentials : Declawing is cruel and inhumane. It essentially cripples a cat, rendering it unable to participate in innate behaviors or defend itself. If your cat is scratching your furniture, with patience and dedication, you can train it to scratch on appropriate surfaces.

Myth : Your cat is happy outside

Do : Cats are naturally curious creatures which makes people think that "their cat WANTS to go outside". In reality, what your cat really wants is stimulation and all the stimulation your cat needs can be provided in a safe indoor environment. By providing a variety of toys, dedicated playtime and a window from which he can see outside, your indoor cat will be happy and healthy. Need more evidence? Well, according to the studies that have been done on this subject, it seems that an outdoor cat has a life expectancy of 4 to 5 years as opposed to an indoor cat who can live 12 to 18 years.

The essentials : You are responsible for your cat's well-being. Your cat will live much, much longer by staying indoors, in a safe home that provides everything he needs.

Myth : Black cats bring bad luck

Do : The enduring myth of the black cat is tied to superstitions surrounding witches, pirates, and disasters (oh my!). The harmful effect of this largely outdated way of thinking is that today, black cats are much less adopted than cats of other colors; sadly, they are the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized.

The essentials : Ebony cats are simply fantastic companions who deserve as much love from a loving home as any other cat. Why not support the black cats in your area by adopting one?

Myth : Feral cats make bad pets

Do : Feral cats have adapted to a very stressful life where survival is their only concern. When brought into shelters or homes, they are often less social and have a higher chance of being returned because of it. The truth is that feral cats have the same heart and personality as their domesticated siblings, they just need a little more time, patience, and love from their new family in order to transform into a comfortable and confident cat.

The essentials : If you give them a chance, feral cats can become the best! They will give you back all the love, patience and understanding you gave them, multiplied by 1000 (minimum).

Myth : Cats are idiots

Do : When a cat misbehaves, people are inclined to attribute human motivations to their behavior. It is important to remember that behaviors are the result of instinct. Your cat is not acting like an idiot by urinating outside of his litter box, scratching your furniture, or biting your hand. His behaviors are telling you that you need to look at his environment from his perspective by adjusting his environment to accommodate his natural instincts.

The essentials : Cats are not jerks! They are not intentionally trying to make you angry; they just want to make sure they have an environment that provides them with appropriate outlets for their natural cat behavior.

Myth : You can't train a cat

Do : Sure you can. Just as you can train yourself to get up when your alarm goes off, a cat can be trained to do many things. From relatively simple things like not getting on counters or using a scratching post, to some awesome choreographed performances (do yourself a favor and check out circuscats.com). It is definitely possible to train your cat. Some cats are highly food motivated and can be trained to do things for a treat. Others are socially motivated and will do anything for a pat or a little love. Find out what motivates your cat and give it a try!

The essentials : Training a cat is not only possible but also essential for a harmonious life with your feline friend.

Myth : Cats are low maintenance pets

Do : Even though cats don't need to go outside and even though they sleep a lot, they need time and attention to be happy and healthy. Daily play and stimulation are essential for your cat's health. It is recommended to schedule one to two play sessions per day, each lasting about 15 minutes. These sessions satisfy your cat's hunting instinct and are a great way to bond with your cat.

The essentials : Cats need daily stimulation and attention to live happy and healthy lives. Be sure to schedule quality playtime with them to keep them active and engaged.

Myth : Cats think like humans

Do : A cat is a cat. We need to think like a cat and not attribute human emotions to them. It is important to remember that cats have strong instincts that determine how they act and we need to respond to their needs. They will be happier, and so will you. Taking the time to understand cat behavior will create a greater bond with your best friend.

The essentials : Cats have their own way of seeing life – we need to learn more about their world in order to live a more harmonious life with them.