Although most of us don’t believe the more off-the-wall pet superstitions, like cats stealing the breath of babies (yes, people once believed this), there are still a number of pet myths out there.  

The trouble with these myths is that they often result in neglect, abuse, and other unfortunate consequences for innocent animals. That is why it is so important to address them to help educate the public on why these false beliefs are erroneous and how we, as pet lovers, can help bust these pet myths.

Five Harmful (Yet Common) Pet Myths

From cats with nine lives to mice who love cheese, myths about animals abound. For some pets, these untruths can fill shelters and even encourage mistreatment. Here are some of the more damaging of myths.

See if there are any you believe or once believed.

1. Shelter pets aren’t as good as purebred pets – This is a misconception that keeps destructive practices, such as puppy mills, in business and dissuades people from adopting loving pets in need of forever homes. In truth, many purebred dogs live shorter lives and are prone to more health conditions due to generations of selective breeding. And, all pets require the same level of care and housetraining, socialization, and other forms of TLC, no matter if they come with a price tag. Give a shelter pet a chance at a great life by dispelling this myth.
2. Dog breeds like pit bulls and Rottweilers are more aggressive – This unfortunate idea has resulted in many breeds, especially pit bulls, ending up in shelters and euthanized. In fact, ALL dogs have the capacity for aggression and predatory behavior. There is no such thing as an innately mean dog. These behaviors are a result of lack of training, and in some cases, abuse and neglect.
3. Cats are aloof and independent – On the surface this doesn’t seem like such a harmful stereotype. However, this false idea can often result in neglect in attention and care. Cats may not be as “in your face” with their need for companionship, but they do benefit from having a playmate or two and will form strong bonds with other pets and family members.
4. Indoor pets don’t need to be vaccinated – All pets can be exposed to preventable diseases and illnesses, even indoor pets. All it takes is one encounter, such as through a screen door or window or a visit from a guest with an ill dog or cat. The rabies vaccine is also required by law in the state of Texas. To ensure your pet’s protection, maintain his or her vaccinations.
5. Pets only need to be on a parasite preventive in the summer – Parasites can be a problem any time of year, particularly in our Lone Star climate. Even in areas with more severe winters, it only takes one errant mosquito to put a pet at risk for heartworm. And, by missing a few months in your pet’s preventive protocol, you could place him or her inadvertently in harm’s (or, more precisely, pests’) way. For complete protection, maintain your pet’s parasite preventives year-round.

Did any of these myths surprise you?

We hope that by addressing these false thoughts about animals, we can ensure the safety, care, and protection of all pets. We encourage you to shed some light on harmful pet myths whenever you encounter them, too.

Happy myth-busting!