A veterinary perspective on cultural myths, feline behavior, stray stigma, and the need for better cat care and awareness.

In Nepal, when people think of companion animals, dogs usually come to mind first—loyal, expressive, and openly affectionate. Cats, however, often remain in the shadows of misunderstanding, perceived as aloof, mysterious, or even unlucky despite their growing presence in urban homes. These perceptions have shaped how cats are treated, cared for, and valued in Nepali society. Addressing this long-held mindset, The Buzz Veterinary Expert Dr. Subash Rimal notes, “Cats were never misunderstood; they were just never truly understood,” highlighting the need to look beyond myths and learn how cats communicate, bond, and coexist with humans in Nepal.

Cultural Beliefs and Traditional Perceptions

One of the strongest reasons cats are misunderstood in Nepal is rooted in culture and tradition. In many communities, cats especially black ones, are associated with bad luck or negative omens. Folklore and myths have painted cats as sneaky, untrustworthy, or spiritually suspicious animals. These beliefs, passed down through generations, often discourage families from adopting or properly caring for cats.

Unlike dogs, which are traditionally valued for guarding homes or livestock, cats have not been assigned a clear “useful” role in rural Nepali life. As a result, they are often seen as unnecessary or expendable.

Mistaking Independence for Indifference

Cats are naturally independent, a trait often mistaken for coldness or lack of affection. Unlike dogs, they express love subtly—through slow blinking, gentle head rubbing, quiet companionship, or simply choosing to stay close. In Nepal, where people are more familiar with the openly expressive behavior of dogs, these quiet signals of affection are often overlooked, leading to the false belief that cats do not bond with humans, despite forming deep and loyal emotional attachments.

Lack of Awareness About Feline Behavior

Limited awareness of feline behavior adds to the misunderstanding. Cats communicate through body language, tail and ear movements, and vocalizations: often very different from dogs. Hissing, hiding, or avoiding contact is frequently misread as aggression, when it usually signals fear, stress, or discomfort. This misinterpretation can lead to improper handling or abandonment, even though most behaviour issues can be resolved with basic care and understanding.

Neglect of Veterinary Care for Cats

In Nepal, veterinary care is still largely dog-focused, and cat owners often assume that cats do not require regular check-ups, vaccinations, or deworming. This misconception stems from the belief that cats are “self-sufficient” animals that can survive on their own.

In reality, cats are vulnerable to infectious diseases, parasitic infestations, nutritional deficiencies, and trauma; especially free-roaming cats in urban areas. The neglect of routine veterinary care not only affects feline welfare but also increases the risk of zoonotic diseases.

Stray Cats and Social Stigma

Urban areas of Nepal are home to a large population of stray and semi-feral cats. Unfortunately, instead of compassion, these cats often face hostility. They are blamed for noise, mess, or disease, and rarely receive the sympathy that stray dogs sometimes do.

This stigma reinforces the idea that cats are a nuisance rather than sentient beings deserving care and respect. In many cases, people fail to realize that unmanaged breeding and lack of neutering – not the cats themselves – are the root causes of these issues.

The Silent Companions We Overlook

Cats are clean, adaptable, space-efficient, and emotionally sensitive animals: qualities that make them ideal companions for modern Nepali households, especially in apartments and busy urban lifestyles. They reduce stress, provide quiet companionship, and require relatively less space and maintenance compared to dogs. Yet, because their love is subtle and their needs are poorly understood, cats continue to be undervalued.

Changing the Narrative

To reduce misunderstanding, Nepal needs greater public education on feline behavior, health, and welfare. Media, veterinary professionals, animal welfare organizations, and schools all have a role to play in reshaping how cats are perceived.

Cats are not unloving, unlucky, or unimportant. They are simply different, and in that difference lies their unique charm.

Understanding cats means learning to listen without words, to respect independence, and to value quiet companionship. Once we do that, we may realize that cats were never misunderstood, they were just never truly understood.

About The Author

Dr. Subash Rimal-veterinarian, academic, and animal welfare advocate is a trusted name in Nepal’s veterinary field. An Assistant Professor at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Tribhuvan University. He also serves as a practicing clinician at Lifeline Veterinary Hospital & Research Centre, Lalitpur, where he blends science and compassion in his approach to animal care.

Contact Details:
Lifeline Veterinary Hospital And Research Centre
Location: Sanepa, Lalitpur
Instagram: lifelinevet_hospital

Also Read

Event: Nepathya Takes Over February 2026 with Power-Packed Concerts Across Nepal & Siliguri

CHUMBAK to Perform Live in Pokhara at Paradiso

Watch: Pariwartan’s Second Trailer Unveils a Deeper Emotional Journey

The Unstoppable Journey of Nepal’s Muay Thai Warrior – Rajina Bista

Football Meets Music at Dashrath Rangashala: Sajjan Raj Vaidya Performance Reported During National League Match