Let’s Chat: FB marketplace a treasure

By Linda Tooth on April 9, 2025.

I like many, love scrolling through Facebook Marketplace. One day I came across someone selling cat magazines. Modern Cat is known as the lifestyle magazine for modern cats and their companions. I felt like I won the lottery as I got 7 magazines for $15.

In one edition they talk about exposing eight top cat myths, and I’d like to share those with you today. Authors Lauren and Taryn Cheal begin by stating that these dangerous myths are harming cats.

Myth 1 – Declawing your cat is a minor procedure. The fact is, as the authors state, declawing is an amputation. For us humans it would be like having the tip of your finger down to the first knuckle removed. Declawing makes your cat defenceless if they ever got out and found themselves in a fighting situation. If you have a cat that scratches your furniture, train them to scratch on an appropriate surface.

Myth 2 – Your cat is fine outside. They are not, and we know a lot of them become lost or never make it home, as they may become victims of car accidents or cruelty. If you have a cat crying at the door to go out, try offering healthy stimuli like a variety of toys, or maybe a window with a view to keep them occupied. At the end of the day, we are responsible for our pets, and they will live a much happier and longer life being indoors.

Myth 3 – Feral cats make bad pets. These special cats have lived a very stressful life where survival is their only concern. With a lot of love, extra time and patience they will repay your love. Some of the feral/community cats I have met in the last few years have been adopted and are living a life most dream of.

Myth 4 – Black cats are bad luck. This myth dates back to witches and plagues. The fact is these ebony beauties are the last to be adopted at shelters. The fact is they are just as loving as other cats.

Myth 5 – Cats are jerks. We often assign monikers to actions our cats do. Take a step back and look at their actions through their eyes, you might be surprised at what you see.

Myth 6 – You can’t train a cat. It is entirely possible to train your cat. Food and social motivation will help in this process.

Myth 7 – Cats are low maintenance. They may not need to go for walks like dogs do, but they still require stimulation to live a healthy life. Be sure to schedule time with your cat every day.

Myth 8 – Cats think like humans. With the state of the world today I’m glad this is a myth. We need to remember that cats are cats, and we need to appreciate and understand their world. By doing this we stand a better chance of living in harmony with our cat(s).

Have a Meowtastic day and keep reading.

Linda Tooth is a part-time communications instructor at Medicine Hat College

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