Despite the fact that cats have been part of human society for thousands of years, they still remain shrouded in mystery. Whether you are a lifelong cat owner or an unsuspecting bystander, one thing is certain – you will never forget a chance encounter with our furry friends! In this post, we’re diving into 45 remarkable facts about cats that will leave you purring in delight. From their surprising ability to see in the dark to their sometimes bizarre behaviors and habits, we’re exploring all things cats – so don’t miss your chance at being whisked away into feline lore!
Age in Human Years
Ever wondered how old your cat is in human years? The first year of a cat’s life is equivalent to 15 human years, the second year is roughly nine human years, and after that, each cat year is about four human years.
Night Vision
Cats have exceptional night vision and can see clearly in nearly total darkness. This is because cats have an extra layer of eye tissue called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light back through the retina and enhances night vision. This is also why their eyes can appear to glow in the dark.
Whisker Navigation
A cat’s whiskers are not just for show – they help them navigate. The length of their whiskers is generally about the same as the width of their body. This helps them gauge whether they can fit through narrow spaces. Other than that, their whiskers are so sensitive that they can detect the slightest directional change in a breeze.
Sleepyheads
They sleep for an astonishing 12 to 16 hours a day! That’s roughly 70% of their lives spent in dreamland. However, in spite of their reputation as lazy animals, when awake, they are extremely alert and spend a lot of time hunting.
Cat Got Your Tongue?
A cat’s tongue is covered with tiny, backward-facing barbs (papillae) that help with grooming. These act like a comb, catching and cleaning their fur.
Unique Nose Prints
Just like human fingerprints, each cat’s nose print is unique, boasting a pattern of ridges and bumps that is totally distinct. This could potentially be used for identification, though it might be tricky to get a cat to cooperate!
The Fall Masters
Cats have a fantastic survival instinct known as the “righting reflex.” It allows them to twist their body in mid-air and land on their feet if they fall from a height. This reflex starts developing when kittens are just three weeks old.
Cats and Egyptians
Cats were worshipped in ancient Egypt and were even depicted in tomb paintings from as far back as 2750 BC. Killing a cat, even accidentally, was considered a grave offense.
Kitty Communication
Cats communicate using a variety of vocalizations (meowing, purring, hissing) as well as body language. Domestic cats meow almost exclusively at humans and not other cats.
Sensitivity to Change
Cats are sensitive to their environment and changes to their routine can often lead to stress. Moving to a new home or introducing new pets can require a period of adjustment.
Cats and Milk
Contrary to popular belief, many cats are lactose intolerant. After they’ve been weaned, cats stop making the enzyme that allows them to digest lactose, so giving them cow’s milk can often lead to digestive upset.
Cats in the USA
In the USA, cats are more popular pets than dogs. There are approximately 88 million pet cats compared to 74 million dogs.
A Cat’s Brain
In terms of structural complexity, a cat’s brain is 90% similar to a human’s brain. Cats and humans have nearly identical sections of the brain that control emotions.
Scent Markers
Cats have scent glands along their tail, their forehead, lips, chin, and the underside of their front paws. They use these glands to mark their territory, rubbing against objects and people to leave their unique scent.
Cats and Hunting
Despite their reputation as great hunters, studies have shown that feral cats catch less than one prey item for every 10 hours of hunting. Surprisingly, even well-fed domestic cats may engage in hunting behavior. This is due to their natural instincts rather than hunger.
Cats and Music
Research suggests that cats enjoy music that’s composed specifically for them, mimicking the tempo and frequency range they use to communicate. There’s even a genre of music called “cat music”!
Crepuscular Creatures
Cats are not nocturnal as most people think. They are, in fact, crepuscular, which means they are most active during the dawn and dusk.
Hydrated Hunters
Cats don’t have a strong thirst drive compared to dogs. They evolved from desert-dwelling wild cats who got most of their water from their prey. This is why it’s essential to ensure they receive enough hydration from their diet.
Record-breaking Runners
The fastest breed of domestic cat is the Egyptian Mau, which can reach speeds of up to 30 mph (48 kph). That’s faster than Usain Bolt!
A Long Fall
The highest recorded fall survived by a cat is a staggering 32 stories. A cat named Sabrina fell from a window in a New York apartment building and survived with just a chipped tooth and a collapsed lung.
The Purring Mystery
It’s still a mystery why cats purr. Most veterinarians believe that it’s a way for cats to soothe themselves. Cats also purr when they’re content, but also when they’re sick, in pain, or nearing death.
International Cat Day
International Cat Day is celebrated worldwide on August 8th to honor our feline friends.
Fussy Eaters
Cats are renowned for being picky eaters. This is because they have fewer taste buds than humans and are often more driven by smell than taste.
Smallest Cat Breed
The smallest breed of cat is the Singapura. Females can weigh as little as 4 pounds, while males can weigh up to 8 pounds.
Largest Cat Breed
On the other end of the spectrum, the largest domesticated cat breed is the Maine Coon. Males can weigh up to 18 pounds, and females can weigh up to 16 pounds. The longest Maine Coon on record measured 48.5 inches.
A Longer Life
Neutered male cats live an average of 62% longer than unneutered ones, while spayed female cats live an average of 39% longer than unspayed ones.
A Most Prolific Mother
The most prolific mother cat in the world, according to Guinness World Records, was a Texas feline named Dusty who had more than 420 kittens in her lifetime.
That’s a Lot of Kittens
On average, a cat can have one to nine kittens in a litter. The largest known litter, however, produced 19 kittens, 15 of whom survived.
Superior Senses
A cat’s hearing is superior to that of humans and dogs. They can detect frequencies from about 48 Hz to 85 kHz, a range of about 10.5 octaves, while humans and dogs can hear about 9 octaves.
Taste Preferences
Unlike dogs, cats are usually indifferent to sweet flavors. This is because they have a mutation in a key taste receptor that prevents them from tasting sweetness.
Celebrity Cats
One of the richest cats in the world was Blackie, who inherited 15 million pounds from his wealthy British owner in the late 1980s.
Feline Fertility
A single pair of cats and their kittens can produce as many as 420,000 kittens in just seven years. That’s why spaying and neutering are so important!
Hypoallergenic Cats
While no cat can be 100% hypoallergenic, certain breeds like the Siberian and the Balinese, which produce fewer allergenic proteins, can be more tolerable for individuals with cat allergies.
The Oldest Cat Breed
Some believe the Turkish Van is the oldest cat breed, dating back to the region of Mount Ararat, which was the site of the Noah’s Ark landing.
Water-Loving Cats
While most cats despise water, the Turkish Van breed actually enjoys swimming. These cats have a unique texture to their coat which makes them more water-resistant.
Cat’s Love for Boxes
Cats love to squeeze into boxes and other small spaces because it helps them feel protected and safe. It’s an instinctual behavior for them.
Cats and Heat
Cats can withstand higher temperatures than humans. This is because their ancestors were desert-dwelling animals.
Grooming
Cats spend a significant part of their day grooming themselves. This not only keeps them clean but also helps them to relax.
Rare Breeds
Some cat breeds are incredibly rare. For instance, the Sokoke is a breed from Kenya that was only discovered in the 1970s.
Cat’s Tail
A cat’s tail is an essential tool for balance and is used as a form of communication. A straight-up tail signifies happiness, while a bushy tail can indicate fear or excitement.
Paw Preference
Just like humans, cats can be right or left-handed! Most female cats prefer to use their right paw, while males usually prefer their left.
Cat’s Lifespan
With proper care, indoor cats live on average 13 to 17 years. However, many cats have been known to live into their early 20s, and the oldest recorded cat lived to be an astounding 38 years old.
Cats and Dreams
Just like humans, cats go through different stages of sleep, including REM sleep, which is when dreaming occurs. So, yes, your cat likely dreams!
Superstitions
In some cultures, cats are considered good luck. For example, in Japanese folklore, the “maneki-neko” or “beckoning cat” is a common talisman believed to bring good fortune to its owner.
Cats and Love
Contrary to some beliefs, cats are capable of forming strong bonds with their human companions. A slow blink from a cat is like a human kiss—it’s their way of showing affection and trust.
Conclusion
While cats can often appear mysterious, there is no denying their incredible capacity for love and loyalty. Through multiple centuries of living alongside us, they have not only become our beloved family members, but also shaped culture and sparked imagination. We hope that reading this post has been an enjoyable journey for all cat enthusiasts out there – or maybe even gained you a newfound appreciation for these fascinating creatures! It’s time to close the book and cherish each moment spent with our feline friends, recognizing them not just as cute pets, but respectful members of our household. May we always acknowledge and recognize the remarkable beauty that cats bring to each of our lives!