Of all the pets with which humans share their lives, perhaps none is more misunderstood than kitty. Myths about cat behavior and good cat care abound, and may prompt us to make choices not in the best interest of the family feline.

With the help of cat care experts at several schools of veterinary medicine, Best Friends has developed this mini-quiz to test your Kitty Care IQ.

Myth or Fact?

1. All cats need milk.

Myth. Cats do not need milk. In fact, some cats are lactose intolerant and can't handle milk. If your cat has diarrhea after drinking milk, it could be lactose intolerant and you should check with your veterinarian.

2. Cats will always land on their feet.

Myth. Because cats have a good sense of balance, people believe that they will always land on their feet. Unfortunately, this is not always true.

3. Cats need to eat meat.

Fact. Cats are natural carnivores and need animal tissue to maintain their long-term health. Cats require certain nutrients not sufficiently available from plant foods. A cat fed a vegetarian diet is more likely to hunt small rodents and birds to satisfy his need for meat.

4. If a cat eats grass, she is sick.

Myth. No one really knows why some cats like to eat grass, but it doesn't mean they are sick. Some experts think grass-eating is a form of entertainment; others think the family feline is seeking out a bit of roughage for his digestive tract. Whatever the reason, grass-eating isn't harmful. In fact, if the family cat tends to chew on your houseplants, a pot of grass is a better alternative.

5. You can tell a cat's mood by the sounds he makes.

Fact, but… it's only part of the story. Some cats do communicate with voice, and the sounds they make have meaning. For example, a cat's purr generally indicates contentment, while a low-pitched growl probably means aggression. However, cats communicate primarily through body language, posture, ear position, tail position and odors rather than through "talking."

6. Cats' fur coat protects them from skin cancer from sun exposure.

Myth. Skin cancer is the second most common cancer in cats and the sun plays a big role in the development of skin cancer among cats. Like fair-skinned people, white cats are more prone to skin cancers, especially on the areas of their body that are thinly haired, such as the ear tips and around the eyes.

7. Humans can get worms from their cats.

Fact. Humans can get worms - heartworms, hookworms and round worms -- if they accidentally ingest the worm eggs. Prevention includes washing hands before eating and wearing gloves when working in the garden. Covering sandboxes to avoid contamination is also recommended.

8. Neutering will make your male cat more docile.

Myth. Surgical neutering will not change a cat's unique personality. It will eliminate reproductive behavior. It will also reduce urine odor and your cat's desire to spray furniture, walls, etc. Your cat will also be less likely to roam, exposing himself to fights with other animals and dangers such as cars.