It's a commonly held belief that cats are so independent they can "go wild" if released to fend for themselves.
A sub part of that myth is that cats aren't quite as domesticated as dogs are, and are within inches of being wild anyway.
These two related beliefs are both incorrect.
The independent cat perception is just that...
a perception, based on the observable behaviors of cats who may appear disinterested in their surroundings, such as inside your house, where they may not feel fully secure.
The truth is that cats are by nature very observant of their surroundings as a means to survival.
If they wiggle and make noises and become excited (as dogs do), it's counter productive to a survival protocol.
Cats know they are small, and thus are much more cautious about making themselves easily seen by potential enemies and thus, will hide for protection.
In the absence of cover, they may simply freeze, motionless, like a statue.
The other idea that cats are just a whisper away from their wild ancestry is also wrong.
Cats have been living with humans for thousands of years.
They may not provide undying obedience as dogs do, but they are no less capable of bonding with their people.
It's just that people have not been willing to really see them as the affectionate and willing pets they can be.
Again, being small, they are more acutely aware of their vulnerabilities to harm from larger beings.
And humans have historically been one of their worst enemies, not only torturing and abusing them, but blaming them for things they are not even capable of, such as plagues, killing babies, etc.
A cat born inside a human home, especially within the popular adoption scenario of removing a kitten from the care of its mother too early, is definitely not going to produce a cat that is anywhere close to being wild.
Giving a completely tame cat its "freedom" outdoors is tantamount to releasing a human child into Siberia without any survival knowledge.
It's not that humans can't live there...
it's that they need to learn how.
Another common idea is that cats are "supreme hunters" and thus are blamed for loss of bird populations, for example.
A tame housecat is not a supreme hunter.
Instincts, you say? Sure, the urge may be there, but if they have not been taught hunting skills, they will fail more than they succeed, and usually die before they manage to learn by doing.
Because of the misunderstandings people have about cat behavior, the cat's existence has been plagued with dangers from humans more than any other threat to their well-being.
If you have a cat and don't provide safety, security and comfort, the cat will learn to not trust you.
Thus, he will be on guard at all times in your presence.
This gives people who don't get it the impression of a cat being aloof or plotting against them, and they may throw the cat outdoors, or not stop to think twice about leaving the cat behind if they move.