Cats are amazing creatures that have been living with humans for thousands of years. They are cute, cuddly, and sometimes mysterious. But how well do you really know your feline friend? Here are ten facts about your cat that you should know.
1. Your cat's nose is unique
Just like humans have fingerprints, cats have nose prints. Each cat's nose has a different pattern of ridges and bumps that can be used to identify them. You can try to take a close look at your cat's nose and see if you can spot the unique features. Maybe your cat even has a special mark on their nose, like Oz, the cat who has a map of Australia on her nose.
2. Your cat can heal themselves by purring
Did you know that your cat's purr has healing powers? According to some studies, a cat's purr has a frequency of between 25 and 150 Hertz, which is the same range that is used to promote bone and muscle growth and repair in humans. So when your cat purrs, they are not only expressing their happiness, but also healing themselves and maybe even you.
3. Your cat can't taste sweetness
Unlike humans and dogs, cats cannot detect sweetness in their food. This is because they lack a gene that codes for a sweet taste receptor. This means that your cat is not interested in sugary treats, but rather prefers meaty and savory flavors. So don't worry if your cat doesn't like your cake, they are not being rude, they just can't taste it.
4. Your cat has three eyelids
You may have noticed that your cat has two eyelids, just like you. But did you know that they also have a third eyelid? It is called the nictitating membrane, and it is a thin layer of tissue that slides across the eye from the inner corner. It helps to protect the eye from dust, dirt, and injury, and also keeps it moist. You can usually see it when your cat is sleepy or relaxed.
Your cat's ears are very flexible and can move in different directions. They have over 30 muscles that control their ears, which allows them to rotate them 180 degrees. This helps them to locate the source of a sound and also to express their mood. For example, when your cat is alert, their ears are upright and forward. When they are angry, their ears are flattened and back. And when they are curious, their ears are slightly tilted and swiveling.
6. Your cat only meows to communicate with you
You may think that your cat meows to talk to other cats, but that is not true. Cats only use their meows to communicate with humans, not with each other. When they are kittens, they meow to signal their mother, but as they grow up, they stop meowing to other felines. Instead, they use body language, facial expressions, and scent to communicate with their own kind. But they continue to meow to humans, because they have learned that it gets them what they want, such as food, attention, or affection.
7. Your cat can survive a high fall
Cats are known for their agility and grace, but they also have a remarkable ability to survive a high fall. There are cases of cats who have fallen from over 32 stories (320 meters) onto concrete and survived. This is because cats have a natural instinct to orient themselves in mid-air and spread their body to reduce the impact. They also have a low body weight and a flexible skeleton that can absorb the shock. Of course, this doesn't mean that you should throw your cat from a window, because they can still get injured or die from a fall. But it does mean that your cat has a better chance of surviving a fall than you do.
8. Your cat is a descendant of a wildcat
You may think that your cat is a domesticated animal, but they are actually more closely related to a wildcat than you may realize. According to DNA analysis, all domestic cats are descended from a subspecies of wildcat called the Near Eastern wildcat, which still lives in the deserts of the Middle East. These wildcats were the first to be tamed by humans around 7500 BC, and they gradually spread around the world as pets and farm cats. But they still retain many of their wild traits, such as their hunting skills, their territorial behavior, and their independent personality.
9. Your cat has a clowder of friends
You may think that your cat is a solitary creature, but they actually have a social life. A group of cats is called a clowder, and your cat may belong to one. Clowders are usually formed by related females who share a territory and resources, such as food and shelter. They also help each other with raising kittens and grooming. Male cats may also join a clowder, but they are usually less involved and more likely to roam around. Your cat may also have some individual friends, who they greet with a nose touch, a head rub, or a lick.
10. Your cat loves you
You may sometimes wonder if your cat loves you, or if they just see you as a source of food and comfort. Well, the good news is that your cat does love you, and they show it in many ways. For example, when your cat blinks slowly at you, they are saying "I love you" in cat language. When they rub their head or body against you, they are marking you as their own. When they knead your lap, they are showing their trust and affection. And when they curl up next to you or on your chest, they are saying that they feel safe and happy with you. So don't doubt your cat's love, because they are loyal and devoted to you.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post and learned something new about your cat. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And if you liked this post, please share it with your friends and fellow cat lovers. Thank you for reading! 😊.
Source:
(1) Cat | Breeds & Facts | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/animal/cat.
(2) 104 Interesting and Fun Cat Facts | FactRetriever.com. https://www.factretriever.com/cat-facts.
(3) 163 Cat Facts That Will Blow Your Mind | Fun Cat Facts - We Love Cats .... https://welovecatsandkittens.com/cat-info/cat-facts/.
(4) Cat - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat.