Since our pets cannot speak to us and we can’t read their minds, they can be hard to understand at times. In order to better understand our loyal companions, there are rules of thumb for pet owners. However, which are true and which are not? We help answer that question here.
MYTH #1: Cats purr because they are happy.
This is partly true. When petting our cats, purring is a sign that they are content and relaxed, and that they trust us. However, cats also purr in other situations, as it is a way they calm themselves. Your cat may also purr when injured or nursing.
MYTH #2: Cats rub against you as a sign of friendliness.
Your cat may rub up against you as a sign of affection, it mainly serves the purpose of scent-marking. Just like dogs, cats like to mark their territory, and they do this by leaving their scent on different objects. This helps cats familiarize themselves with their surroundings and claim things as their own, including you!
MYTH #3: Dogs wag their tails when they are happy.
A wagging tail can be a sign of a variety of emotions, not just happiness. It could mean your dog is excited, but it could also mean he or she is agitated. Look at other signs to determine how your dog is feeling. For instance, if your dog is growling while wagging his tail, he is likely upset about something.
MYTH #4: Dogs age seven years for every human year.
This is probably one of the most widely believed myths about pets, and it is not true! There is no formula to determine this; it all depends on the specific dog and its breed. Rough approximations say that a one-year-old dog is between 10 and 16 years old, a two-year-old dog adds three to eight years, and each year after that is around four to five years.
MYTH #5: Dogs and cats eat grass when they have an upset stomach.
This is mainly false. Your pet may eat grass as a digestive aid when they aren’t feeling well, but they mostly eat it because they like the taste — that simple! If you find your pet chewing on plants around your home, give him or her a small pot of grass (non-toxic) to nibble on instead.
Courtesy of Veterinary Pet Insurance
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