Busting cat myths
Now that you have a new kitten all the things you've heard about cats over the years suddenly seem more relevant. But the myths and old wives tales that you've grown up with can be hard to make sense of. This list will help you separate fact from fiction.

Do cats always land on their feet?
Unfortunately the answer to this one is a resounding ‘no’. Cats are pretty agile and do tend to instinctively fall feet first but a significant number of cats injure or even kill themselves in falls every year. Keep your kitten safe by fitting screens on windows and balconies. And don’t be tempted into testing the theory!

There's nothing better for cats than a saucer of milk
This one's another myth. If your kitten is well nourished and you're feeding her a complete food, all she needs to drink is water. In fact, although she may like milk, too much milk is not good for her. Many cats find the lactose in cow's milk hard to digest and it can give them diarrhoea.

Rubbing butter on a cat's paws helps them find their way home if they're lost
If you're after greasy paw marks all over your furniture, go ahead and rub butter on your kitten's paws. If, however, you just want to make sure she always finds her way home, fitting her with a microchip would be a far more sensible solution. That way, if she ever does get lost, and she’s handed to the local veterinary clinic or charity, they can check her details. Then you can bring her home again, safe and sound.

Cats can see in the dark
Your kitten won't be able to see in complete darkness. This myth probably came about because cats can see in very low light levels. This is because their pupils dilate to make the most of all available light.

Pregnant women should avoid all contact with cats
Some cats can be infected with a disease called toxoplasmosis which can occasionally be spread to humans through cat faeces in litter trays or gardens, and cause serious problems in unborn babies. However, pregnant women do not have to avoid contact with cats, they just have to take a few sensible precautions. If you are expecting a baby, you should avoid cleaning out your kitten's litter tray and get someone else in the family to do it for you. If you do have to do it yourself, make sure you wear rubber gloves and wash your hands very thoroughly afterwards. Avoid gardening if your kitten (or indeed any other cats in the neighbourhood) ever goes to the toilet there, and make sure you wash any home grown vegetables.

Cats who have accidents should have their noses rubbed in it
Cats are fastidiously clean creatures and, chances are, your new kitten will already have got the hang of using the litter tray from her mum. That said, there's bound to be the odd accident. Whatever you've heard, never rub your kitten's nose in it. Cats won’t understand this punishment. If your kitten has only recently started using a litter tray at the breeder's house, a good tip is to find out what kind of litter they have been using and get the same at home. That way the smell and texture will be familiar to your kitten.