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- 20+ Things You Thought You Knew About Your Cat, But Are Completely WrongDo cats always land on their feet? Are their whiskers really for balance? Many common beliefs about cats persist, but not all of them are true. Here are 20+ widespread myths about our feline friends, and the real facts you need to know. Let’s begin with:
Myth: Cats Are Low-Maintenance Pets
Although they might seem more independent than some pets, cats still need plenty of care and attention. This includes proper feeding, regular grooming, vet visits, and lots of playtime and stimulation.
Myth: Milk Is Good For Cats
Contrary to popular belief, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Giving them milk can cause upset stomachs and digestive issues, so it’s better to stick with water and vet-approved food.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: All Cats Hate Water:
While it’s true that some cats hate water, that’s not the case for all of them. Certain breeds even enjoy swimming, and with patience, some cats can get used to baths or playing in water.Pixabay Source: Pixabay Myth: Cats Should Be Fed a Vegan/Vegetarian Diet
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need nutrients only found in meat. Feeding them a vegan or vegetarian diet can cause serious health problems.Pixabay Source: Pixabay Myth: Indoor Cats Don’t Need Vaccinations
Indoor cats need vaccines too. Even if they never go outside, they can be exposed to diseases brought in by people or other pets, so vaccinations help keep them safe.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: Cats Always Land on Their Feet
Cats’ famous righting reflex allows them to twist midair and often land on their feet. However, they can still be injured — especially by falls from greater heights.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: Cats Use Their Whiskers for Balance
Whiskers help cats sense their surroundings and navigate in tight spaces, but they don’t control balance. Balance is mainly managed by the inner ear.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: Cats Should Have a Litter of Kittens Before Being Spayed
There’s no health benefit to allowing a cat to have a litter before spaying. In fact, spaying early can prevent serious illnesses like uterine infections and some cancers.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: A Cat’s Purring Always Means They’re Happy
Cats purr when they’re happy, but they can also purr when they’re sick, scared, or in pain. Look at their overall body language to figure out what they’re feeling.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: All Cats Love Fish
Fish isn’t a complete diet for cats. Too much fish can lead to nutritional deficiencies, so it’s better as an occasional treat rather than a staple food.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: You Can’t Train Cats
Despite the myth that cats can’t be trained, they respond very well to positive reinforcement. Clicker training, treats, and patience can help you teach them all kinds of tricks.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: Cats Always Use a Litter Box
Cats don’t automatically know how to use a litter box. Keeping it clean, stress-free, and easily accessible can encourage them to use it properly.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: Cats Can’t Get Heartworm
Heartworm isn’t just a dog issue — cats can get it too. Preventive medication is important because treating heartworm in cats is difficult and often risky.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: Cats Have Nine Lives
Cats might seem like they have nine lives because they’re agile and cautious, but they’re just as vulnerable as any other animal and can be injured or sick.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: Pregnant Women Shouldn’t Have Cats
Pregnant women don’t need to give up their cats. They just need to take simple precautions like avoiding cleaning the litter box to reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: All Cats Hate Dogs
Dogs and cats can live happily together. It depends on their personalities and careful introductions, but many cats and dogs grow to be best friends.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: Cats Shouldn’t Be Given Toys with Catnip
Catnip is safe and enjoyable for most cats. Some may go crazy playing with it, some might get a bit aggressive, and others just chill out—it all depends on the individual.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: A Cat’s Sex Can Be Determined by Its Color
You can’t tell a cat’s sex just by its color. It’s true that most calico and tortoiseshell cats are female, but that’s not a foolproof method.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: Declawing Is Harmless
Declawing is much more serious than a nail trim—it’s an amputation that can cause long-term pain and behavioral issues. Providing appropriate scratching posts is a better solution.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: Cats Steal the Breath of Babies
That old myth about cats smothering babies? It’s not true. Cats may cuddle up to babies for warmth, but they pose no threat to a baby’s breath. Supervision is always a good idea, though.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: Cats are Nocturnal
Cats are crepuscular, which means they’re most active at dawn and dusk. They’re not strictly nocturnal, though, so you’ll probably catch them napping most of the day.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: Cats Always Need Access to the Outdoors to be Happy
Some cats don’t need or want to go outside. Indoor cats can lead rich, happy lives as long as they have plenty of enrichment like toys, scratching posts, and interaction.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: Cats Can Live on Dog Food
Cats need specific nutrients like taurine and vitamin A that dog food doesn’t provide. Feeding a cat dog food can cause serious health problems over time.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: Cats Don’t Need Regular Vet Check-Ups
Even if they never go outside, cats still need regular vet checkups. Routine visits help catch health problems early and keep your cat feeling their best.Pexels Source: Pexels Myth: Cats are aloof and independent, so they don’t need companionship
Although they’re often thought of as aloof, cats can form deep bonds with humans and other animals. Many cats truly enjoy company and can feel lonely without regular interaction.Pexels Source: Pexels Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Source: AnimalHumaneSociety, FelineNetword
15 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About The Middle AgesThe Middle Ages have taken on a legendary status, but modern entertainment often blurs the lines between fact and fiction. This era of European history was shaped by the rise and fall of kingdoms, the spread of Christianity, and countless wars and rivalries. It’s time to set the record straight and separate the myths from the reality.Archers drew arrows from a quiver on their backs, even going barefoot while shooting.
Forget what TV shows have taught you—medieval archers typically wore their quivers at their belts, not slung over their backs. It made grabbing an arrow much quicker and more practical. Many also went barefoot, relying on their toes for extra grip and stability when lining up a shot.
Knights did not strictly adhere to a code of chivalry.
Knights weren’t always the noble, honorable figures we imagine today. They were raised and trained for battle, and warfare was their primary skill. Driven by a desire for power and wealth, many often misused their abilities. The chivalrous image we know largely comes from romanticized medieval literature.wiki commons Source: wiki commons Armor was not as heavy as is popularly believed.
A full suit of steel plate armor typically weighed between 15–25 kilograms—less than what modern firefighters carry and similar to the loadout of today’s soldiers. Contrary to popular belief, this armor wasn’t rare. In fact, during the 15th century, around 60–70% of French troops fought on foot wearing full armor, as did English soldiers during the Wars of the Roses.wikipedia Source: wikipedia The Iron Maiden was not a real torture device.
This human-sized iron box lined with interior spikes—often imagined as delivering a slow, agonizing death—has an uncertain place in actual history. While it’s a chilling image, its use may be more myth than fact. Likewise, infamous methods like the rack or public beheadings weren’t as common as many believe. Most condemned prisoners typically faced the hangman’s noose.wiki commons Source: wiki commons Maps did not commonly display “dragons” on unexplored regions,
While modern portrayals of the Middle Ages often focus on monsters and mythological beasts, the people of that era were far more concerned with real-world dangers like criminals and the threat of war. At most, maps from the time might label certain areas as hazardous—but not because of fantastical creatures.wiki commons Source: wiki commons People in the Middle Ages consumed their meals using cutlery.
People in the Middle Ages weren’t uneducated savages, and cutlery wasn’t exclusive to royalty. Spoons, in fact, are among the oldest known utensils. Archaeological finds date them back to around 1000 BCE in Ancient Egypt, where they were crafted from ivory, wood, and slate. Bronze and silver spoons have also been uncovered in regions once ruled by the Greek and Roman Empires.wikipedia Source: wikipedia Flails were rarely used as weapons that some historians believe they are entirely fictitious.
Flails, with their spiked heads connected to handles by chains, were designed to strike around shields or bypass a parry. However, their practicality is heavily debated. Many historians believe flails were either rarely used or even invented by later generations for dramatic effect. Due to their unwieldy nature and inefficiency in real combat, they likely saw little actual use—though pop culture, like Game of Thrones, certainly made them look far more deadly than they ever were.wikiwand Source: wikiwand The burning of witches was not common.
The image of women being routinely burned at the stake for witchcraft is largely exaggerated. In reality, such executions were not widespread, and even the Catholic Church often opposed the practice. When women were accused of witchcraft, they were more commonly sentenced to hanging rather than burning.wiki commons Source: wiki commons Islam and Christianity coexisted.
Despite periods of conflict, Christianity and Islam also experienced times of peace and cooperation during the Middle Ages. Christian and Muslim rulers often hired one another’s scholars, advisors, and even warriors. Trade between the two cultures remained active, even amid battles, showing that coexistence was very much a part of the era.wikipedia Source: wikipedia Europe during the Middle Ages expected the world to end in the year 1000 CE.
January 1, 1000 was long rumored to be the date of the apocalypse, with stories claiming that people gave up their jobs, sold their belongings, and traveled to the Holy Land in anticipation of Christ’s return. However, this narrative is widely debated. In truth, most people at the time were focused on survival and relied more on practical common sense than unquestioning obedience to apocalyptic predictions from the Church.wiki commons Source: wiki commons Vikings did not drink from the skulls of their defeated enemies.
Many myths and legends have surrounded the infamous Vikings, but one of the more gruesome tales—that they drank from human skulls—lacks any real evidence. In reality, Vikings were more likely to drink from animal horns, such as those from goats or cattle, rather than human remains.wiki commons Source: wiki commons No one was forced to drink wine and beer because of the lack of available clean water.
Communities during the Middle Ages invested significant effort and resources to secure access to clean drinking water. For a long time, the lack of references to water in historical records led many historians to assume that people mainly drank wine or beer. However, recent research shows that clean water was highly valued and carefully managed, even if it wasn’t often mentioned in surviving texts.wiki commons Source: wiki commons Mounted knights were not as crucial to the outcome of battles.
The role of cavalry in the Middle Ages has often been overstated. Knights were never the main force in armies—they were simply too costly to deploy in large numbers Instead, the bulk of medieval European armies consisted of foot soldiers.youtube Source: youtube Columbus was not the first European man to “discover” the Americas.
The Vikings reached the Americas roughly 500 years before Christopher Columbus. Historical consensus confirms that Norse explorers arrived by the late 10th century, beating Columbus to the New World by half a millennium.wikipedia Source: wikipedia Many people lived well into old age.
A common myth is that people in the Middle Ages died very young. In reality, many lived into their 50s and 60s. The difference was that illnesses we consider minor or treatable today were often fatal back then.wikipedia Source: wikipedia Viking warriors did not wear armaments like horned helmets at all.
The image of Vikings wearing horned helmets is a myth—there’s no historical evidence they ever did. In fact, Vikings rarely wore helmets at all, and only one authentic Viking helmet has ever been found. When they did wear helmets, they were typically made of iron or leather, chosen for their lighter weight and practicality.wikipedia Source: wikipedia People in the Middle Ages had good hygiene practices.
A person’s scent could greatly impact their social standing during the Middle Ages. Public saunas and bathhouses were widespread, and even London brothels mandated that patrons bathe before entering. Contrary to popular belief, people in the Middle Ages were not unhygienic.youtube Source: youtube Women were not forced to wear chastity belts.
Chastity belts were originally intended as a satirical commentary on society’s obsession with female purity and virginity. While they symbolized enforced chastity, the designs were often exaggerated—and yet some took the concept far too literally.wiki commons Source: wiki commons People in the Middle Ages did not believe the world was flat.
Greek scientists as early as the 6th century BCE understood that the Earth was spherical—a fact that remained widely accepted throughout the Middle Ages. Contrary to popular belief, the Church also taught that the Earth was round during this period.wikipedia Source: wikipedia Europe was ethnically diverse during the Middle Ages.
After their expulsion from Spain, Jewish communities spread across Europe and North Africa. At the same time, migrants from Central Asia settled in Eastern Europe, establishing communities in areas like modern-day Russia, Ukraine, and the Caucasus. While tensions and discrimination existed, racial slavery was not part of this period, and many communities managed to coexist peacefully.wiki commons Source: wiki commons Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Source: history collection, wiki commons
20+ Small Towns Across America That Are Straight-Up StrangeAmerica is home to some of the quirkiest, most bizarre, and downright unsettling places on the planet. To uncover them, it helps to zero in on specific cities—or even better, small towns. This guide takes you on a journey through the strangest small towns in the U.S. Of course, “weird” can be hard to define, but that’s part of the fun. So grab your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to explore the wonderfully odd corners of America.Ferndale, CA – The Victorian Village
Ferndale has earned recognition as a historical landmark thanks to its well-preserved Victorian-era architecture. Founded in 1852 by Gold Rush-era travelers heading to California, the town still showcases its distinctive Carpenter Gothic style and maintains a rich, historic charm.
Roswell, NM
In 1947, residents of Roswell, New Mexico, witnessed what seemed to be a UFO crash—an event that would go on to define the town’s identity. Known as the site of “the world’s most famous, most thoroughly investigated, and most thoroughly debunked UFO claim,” Roswell has since become a symbol of alien lore and conspiracy theories.wikipedia Source: wikipedia Santa Claus, AZ – Abandoned Christmas Desert
Santa Claus was founded in 1937 by Nina Talbot as a year-round holiday-themed tourist destination, featuring attractions like Cinderella’s Doll House and the Santa Claus Inn. Once a festive hotspot, it’s now a decaying ghost town where crumbling holiday displays are more likely to host rattlesnakes than visitors.wikipedia Source: wikipedia Nameless, TN
According to local legend, when residents applied for a post office, they left the name section of the application blank. In response, the U.S. Post Office Department returned the form stamped with “Nameless.” Apparently, that’s the kind of humor they had back then—and the name stuck.wiki commons Source: wiki commons Maharishi Vedic City, IA
Originally known as Vedic City, this town was designed entirely according to Maharishi Sthapatya Veda—an ancient architectural system rooted in Hindu yogic tradition. Every building, from homes to city structures, follows these principles. Staying true to its holistic philosophy, the city exclusively sells organic food.wiki commons Source: wiki commons Burnt Corn, AL
They say the town carries a strong, lingering scent of popcorn. The name is said to have originated from the burning of cornfields during the scorched-earth chaos of the Creek War in 1813. As for population? There’s no current data—no census has been conducted there since 1880.wiki commons Source: wiki commons Hildale, UT – Polygamyville
Hildale, Utah, is known as a polygamist town and serves as the headquarters of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). This sect, which broke away from mainstream Mormonism, continues to uphold the practice of plural marriage.wiki commons Source: wiki commons PhinDeli Town Buford, WY
Don Sammons lived in Buford, Wyoming, with his wife and son—the town’s only three residents. After purchasing Buford in 1992, Sammons stayed even after his wife passed away and his son moved out. But in 2012, deciding it was time for a change, he put the entire town up for sale. It was sold to a Vietnamese coffee magnate for \$900,000.wiki commons Source: wiki commons Casey, IL – The Town Of Large Objects
Founded in 1834, the town of Casey is best known for its collection of oversized objects. Among its quirky attractions are a 32-foot-6-inch pencil and a massive rocking chair standing around 56 feet tall—just a couple of the many giant items that have put this small town on the map.wikipedia Source: wikipedia The Villages, FL
The Villages is a lively community of about 70,000 residents, boasting 34 golf courses and endless activities to keep everyone entertained. But what really sets it apart? It has some of the highest STD rates in Florida—and the surprising twist is, it’s almost entirely made up of seniors. Yes, seriously.wikipedia Source: wikipedia Gibsonton, FL
This town is a unique haven for carnival workers and sideshow performers, serving as their go-to retreat during time off. At one point, the local police chief was a dwarf, while the fire chief stood an astonishing eight feet tall—just a glimpse into the town’s colorful and extraordinary community.youtube Source: youtube Tangier, VA
Tangier is one of the oldest and most distinct-sounding towns in the United States. Its residents speak with a unique accent that linguists say stands apart from any other in the country—a fascinating blend of early American English and a lingering old British twang that’s all but vanished elsewhere.wiki commons Source: wiki commons Hell, MI
Hell got its name in the 1840s when one of the town’s founders, asked what he wanted to call it, shrugged and said, “You can name it Hell for all I care.” The name stuck—and the town has fully embraced its fiery moniker. Today, Hell features devil-themed attractions, including a tongue-in-cheek “devil church,” making it a playful homage to its infernal name.wiki commons Source: wiki commons Slab City, CA
Slab City is a haven for free spirits and those looking to live off the grid. Often called “the last free place in America,” this decommissioned, unregulated community attracts drifters, artists, and modern-day nomads. It’s a place where people can live unconventionally—free to embrace a hobo lifestyle, light up, and just be.wiki commons Source: wiki commons Scottsboro, AL – The Lost Luggage Capital Of The World
Every day, nearly 7,000 pieces of unclaimed luggage find their way to Scottsboro, Alabama, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. The town is home to the Unclaimed Baggage Center (UBC), which processes around a million lost bags and suitcases from across the globe each year. After airlines complete extensive tracking efforts, the UBC purchases the unclaimed items and offers them up for resale—turning lost luggage into a treasure hunt for curious shoppers.flickr Source: flickr Miracle Village, FL
Miracle Village, a small housing community near Pahokee, Florida, is home to over 100 registered sex offenders. Created by minister Richard Witherow, who spent 30 years working in the prison system, the village was designed as a transitional space to help recently released offenders reintegrate into society in a controlled and supportive environment.youtube Source: youtube Colma, CA
Colma, known as the “City of Souls,” spans just two square miles yet contains 17 cemeteries. It’s home to an estimated two million deceased and only about 1,200 living residents. When San Francisco needed space, bodies were relocated to Colma—including those of notable figures like William Randolph Hearst and Wyatt Earp, who now rest there.wikipedia Source: wikipedia Monowi, NE
Monowi, Nebraska, is home to just one resident: Elsie Eiler. She lived there with her husband Rudy until his passing in 2004. Now, Elsie wears every hat in town—she’s the mayor, bartender, librarian, and even takes care of her own taxes, keeping the tiny town running all by herself.wiki commons Source: wiki commons Whittier, AK
Just 58 miles southeast of Anchorage lies the unique town of Whittier, Alaska, where nearly all 214 residents live under one roof. The 14-story Begich Towers, originally built as an Army barracks, now houses almost the entire town. Inside, you’ll find a police station, post office, store, church, video rental shop, playground, bed and breakfast, and even a health center—making it a self-contained community like no other.wiki commons Source: wiki commons Thurmond, West Virginia
With its eerie collection of abandoned railroad stations and a completely deserted downtown, this town regularly draws curious tourists hoping to experience its ghostly charm. The crumbling buildings and strange atmosphere only add to its mystique. Perhaps the strangest detail of all? The town has just seven residents—six of whom are reportedly planning to run for local office.wikipedia Source: wikipedia Lily Dale, New York
Lily Dale is a gated community unlike any other—home to a population of psychics and mediums who gather at the local temple and cemetery to help visitors connect with the dead. It’s a deeply serious practice for residents, but open to the curious as well, with community events and spiritual readings available for just a few dollars if you’re looking to reach out to a lost loved one.wikipedia Source: wikipedia Igloo City, Alaska
This igloo-shaped hotel in Alaska never quite reached its full potential. Though it was designed to be a unique lodging experience, it was never completed or opened for business. Now abandoned, it stands as one of the strangest ghost towns in America—and a curious roadside attraction for adventurous travelers.youtube Source: youtube New Orleans
New Orleans is a “party town” that thrives on the strange and spectacular, raking in millions each year from curious tourists. From voodoo spa treatments at the local Ritz-Carlton to encounters with witches, vampires, and costumed revelers at eccentric festivals, there’s truly nothing you won’t see in this city that fully embraces the weird.wikipedia Source: wikipedia Terlingua, Texas
This town may be completely abandoned, but once a year, people flock to it for a massive cookout. No one’s quite sure what they’re celebrating, but year after year, it turns into a lively party in the middle of a forgotten place.wikipedia Source: wikipedia Centralia, PA
In 1981, Centralia was home to around 1,000 people—but by 2010, fewer than a dozen remained. The reason? A coal mine fire that’s been burning beneath the town since 1962. The underground blaze has caused sinkholes, toxic smoke, and scorching ground temperatures—even making the highway hot to the touch. Experts estimate the fire could continue burning for another 250 years.wiki commons Source: wiki commons Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Source: the travel, country living
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