Do cats have nine lives and always land on their feet? Discover the truth behind some common cat myths with the help of film star Maurice
In the Sky Original film The Amazing Maurice, now available to watch on Sky Cinema, loveable Maurice gets up to all sorts of antics with his new friends.
Based on the novel by Terry Pratchett, the film tells the tale of the cheeky ginger cat who travels from town to town offering to solve their sudden rat problem, and the cast includes Hugh Laurie, Emilia Clarke and David Tennant!
Other than his ability to talk (and dance!), Maurice is a lot like your cat at home. Find out the facts behind some famous feline myths and discover what Maurice has in common with the average cat.
Myth: Cats have nine lives
Although Maurice’s ability to escape from tricky situations can make it seem like he has nine lives, unfortunately cats only have the one, just like us. It’s thought this myth came from an old proverb, or possibly a line from William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. To ensure your cat’s one life lasts as long as possible, it’s important to take them to the vet for regular check-ups and try to keep them safe and away from danger at home.
Myth: Cats should drink milk
Maurice may like the taste of cow’s milk, but it’s not a good idea to give it to your cat to drink. Although kittens drink their mother’s milk for vital nutrients, when they are weaned many cats become lactose intolerant. This means they are unable to properly digest cow’s milk and it can give them an upset stomach. Milk also contains a lot of calories which can cause them to put on weight, so it’s best to stick to fresh water to keep them hydrated.
Myth: Cats always land on their feet
As Maurice finds out the hard way, cats don’t always land safely on their paws when they fall. Most cats do have what is known as a ‘righting reflex’, which allows them to twist and turn their bodies in mid-air so they can land the right way up. However, this technique doesn’t always work, especially if they fall from a low height and don’t have time to orient themselves before hitting the ground. To keep your cat safe, try to make sure they always have a safe route down from high places and keep them away from open windows and balconies that are high off the ground.
Ways Maurice is just like your cat
- He licks his fur – Cats use their rough tongues to groom their fur, removing any excess hair and keeping their coat in good condition
- He likes a good stretch – Cats often stretch out just after waking up. You could try giving them a tall, sturdy scratch post to lean against while they do
- He hisses when he’s angry – Hissing is a warning to stay away, so never approach a hissing cat
- He purrs when he’s happy – A soothing purr is usually a sign that your cat is feeling calm and relaxed
- His ears go flat when he’s worried – Cats’ ears can say a lot about how they’re feeling, and flat ears usually signify concern
- He runs away from danger – Fighting is a last resort for cats so they usually prefer to get away from uncomfortable situations and hide
To celebrate the release of The Amazing Maurice we’ve created an exclusive range of Maurice goodies to help raise funds for the cats in our care this winter. Treat yourself or a loved on to a cute Maurice gift today!
