Health & Fitness - Pet owners shouldn't listen to urban myths

Get Rewarded for Sharing Your Opinion on this
Hot Topic Issue--Please Click Here NOW

ArcaMax Publishing > Lifestyles > Health & Fitness

Your email adddress is safe with us. View our Privacy policy.

Ergonomics Guide:

Save yourself eye strain and back pain with our guide to ergonomics.

The Funnies:

Get free jokes, comics, and more! See them all on
our funnies page

Weather:

Accurate national, regional, and local forecasts on the weather page

Pet owners shouldn't listen to urban myths

VAN NUYS, Calif. (UPI) -- Pet owners should not believe everything they hear about their furry friends, a U.S. veterinarian advises.

"It is important for pet owners to separate urban legends from the truth when caring for their pets," Mark Nunez, of Animal Medical Center in Van Nuys, Calif., and president of the California Veterinary Medical Association, says in a statement. "Anyone can post misinformation on a Web site. However, veterinarians can help pet owners sort fact from fiction."

Some popular legends about cats Nunez says are untrue include:

-- Cats always land on their feet. Most cats instinctively twist themselves to land on their feet, but not all are successful, particularly if they are surprised or injured. If a cat falls from a great height -- feet first or not -- injury or death is likely.

-- A purring cat is a happy cat. The truth is that cats purr for many reasons besides being content, including being nervous, distressed, sick or injured.

-- A jealous cat will suck the breath out of a baby. Cats do like to be in warm places and may snuggle up to a baby in a crib. Pet owners should never leave any pet alone with a baby.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International

This news arrived on: 12/14/2009

Share this Story