People all over the world and the Internet simply adore cats, but sometimes we just can't seem to understand their little quirks. Do you want to know the reasons behind your kitty's unwanted escorts to the toilet, why they have so many stomach problems, to why yo senior cat suddenly started purring for no reason? Keep scrolling to find out that and more about our favorite furry friends.
What makes cats even more interesting is that there are so many things we don't know about them, despite their popularity. So, here are some of the most intriguing facts about cats that even their biggest fans don't know.
What makes cats even more interesting is that there are so many things we don't know about them, despite their popularity. So, here are some of the most intriguing facts about cats that even their biggest fans don't know.
Cats Run Faster Than Usain Bolt
Have you ever wondered how fast a cat can run? The answer is about 30 miles per hour. This is just slightly faster than the average speed of Olympian Usain Bolt. He can run as fast as 27 miles per hour.
In general, cats are quite fast creatures. However, their biology and genes play an important role when it comes to their speed. How fast your cat can run depends largely on its breed. For example, Abyssinians, Bengals, Egyptian Maus, Manxes, Ocicats, Orientals, Savannahs, and Somalis are among the fastest breeds.
Your Cat Thinks You're Bad at Hunting
How many times has your cat left its kills lying around? There is nothing worse than finding a small dead animal in the middle of your hallway. But, don't get mad at your cat for doing that. There is one special reason why cats do this...
Your cat leaves its dead prey lying around because it thinks you suck at hunting. This is what all cat mothers do when they're trying to teach their kittens to hunt.
Cats Are Actually Good For Your Health
If you are a cat lover or you know one, then you probably are aware of the fact of how awesome owning a cat is. However, if you still need more convincing, check this out. Cats can actually be good for your health.
It is said that cats are heart-healthy pets. First of all, they require less effort than owning a dog does. In addition, they are excellent at relieving stress and anxiety. In addition, cat owners tend to have fewer allergies when compared to other people.
Cats With Six Toes Are Named After Hemingway
Some cats are born with six toes and they are called polydactyl cats. They have a genetic condition called polydactyly which causes them to be born with extra toes.
Ernest Hemingway was given a polydactyl kitten in the 1930s and he named it Show White. At the time, Hemingway was living on the small island of Key West and as a result, the museum that is named after him is filled with Snow White's descendants!
Cats Are Constantly Dehydrated
Cats are pretty "dry" creatures, mostly because they have a lot of pet peeves when it comes to their drinking water. In fact, they're so picky that they can sometimes go without drinking for many hours, leading to them being very dehydrated.
Cats like fresh, clean water. And if owners don't change their cats' water every day, the furry creature may find it unsuitable for licking. However, sometimes even that's not enough, the cat will actually prefer drinking the water from a dripping tap, his owner's cup, or even the toilet bowl. Because dehydration in cats can lead to serious kidney problems, it's best to pay attention, replace the kitty's water supplies daily, or maybe open the tap every once in a while for their enjoyment. Older cats are especially susceptible to the ill effects of dehydration, so make sure you give you senior kitties as much water as they need!
Cats Can Make up to 100 Sounds
Cats are not noisy creatures, especially because they like to sleep a lot. But, the vocal abilities of your cat are much more advanced than you think. Cats have incredibly strong and developed vocal cords and they can make up to one hundred different sounds.
Of course, the most basic sound they can make is the meow. In addition to this sound, cats can also purr, hiss, yowl, growl, and wail. Each sound has a different meaning. For example, cats hiss when they are scared or angry but they purr, usually, when they are content.
Hiding Their Pain, Especially in Old Age
Like every seasoned hunter, cats also know that it's important to hide their weaknesses. That's why, most of the time, if a cat is in pain they most likely won't express it at all, leaving their worried owners guessing as to why their furry friend suddenly lost interest in their favorite fuzzy mouse toy.
If you happen to notice that your cat tends to hide more often, doesn't groom themselves as much, pees outside the litterbox, or even purrs excessively, there's a good chance that they might be in pain. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, from bad food to arthritis in senior cats. Those older tiny tigers will be even more careful about showcasing their discomfort, so check up on them every once in a while, and don't forget the biannual visit to the vet!
Cats Ignore Humans on Purpose
How many times have you called out to your cat and it just didn't respond? Well, it's not because the cat isn't well-trained but because it chose to ignore you. Cats are used to the sound of their owner, but, sometimes, they just choose not to respond to their call.
Several studies have shown that cats will move their head or ears when they hear any voice. So, if your cat doesn't respond to your call, it's because it is ignoring you on purpose.
The Real Reason Why Cats Rub Against Humans
Usually, when cats rub against us we consider that as a sign of affection. Well, this is partially true, but it is not the only reason why cats rub against us. This is one of their ways to express their dominance.
When your cat rubs against you, it is because it wants to mark you with its scent. So, if you encounter any other animals they will know that you belong to your feline pet.
If Your Cat Bites You, Here's What It Really Means
It's never fun when your cat bites you, but when it does, there are several reasons for it. In the wild, biting is a normal way for cats to express themselves, so it makes sense that they continue the habit even though they're domesticated.
Your kitty might also bite you because it's angry or stressed, and they're trying to communicate those emotions to you in the only way they know how. Others believe that it is just a defense mechanism when they're afraid. Then some think biting is equivalent to playing. All we know is that it hurts!
So Why DO Cats Purr?
Cats often purr when they are content, but also when they’re sick or stressed. Scientists aren’t sure why cats purr, but according to one hypothesis, the sound frequency of purring (between 25 and 150 Hertz) “can improve bone density and promote healing," Leslie A. Lyons, now an assistant professor at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, wrote in Scientific American in 2006.
"Because cats have adapted to conserve energy via long periods of rest and sleep, it is possible that purring is a low energy mechanism that stimulates muscles and bones without a lot of energy,” Lyons said.
Cats Were Sacred in Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, cats had the same status as deities. Ancient Egyptians revered cats to the extent that they would punish a person to death if they harmed a cat.
Centuries ago, cats were called "Mau." One of the reasons why Egyptians held cats in high regard is that they helped regulate pests. They were the ones who exterminated bugs, snakes, and rodents that would cause serious damage to crops.
Great Minds Think Alike
The size of someone's brain doesn't make that person anymore or less intelligent than someone else. The same goes for cats. They do have smaller brains than dogs, but they are not less intelligent. In fact, it is possible that they are even smarter than their canine counterparts.
According to research, cats' brains are very similar to human brains. This explains why cats have more complex personalities than dogs. In addition, it seems that cats have better long-term than short-term memory.
Feline FOMO
Ever notice how your cat will strictly oppose the idea of a door being closed on their face, even all you need at the moment is some privacy? Apparently, cats suffer from a mild case of FOMO, trying to be a part of, or near to any activity that just happens to be going on in their vicinity.
This detective spirit can also easily explain their tendency to try and open every closed box, dresser, and drawer. So the next time your cat follows you to the toilet or meows in frustration in front of the closed bedroom door, remember that all they want is to e part of whatever party's going on inside.
Cats Slap Eachother (and Us Too! )
Don't you just love it when your cat slaps you on your face? And I'm not talking scratches, but slaps! Much more fun. Well, apparently it's not because you think you annoy them. Cats slap each other for several reasons, the main ones are as an invite to play. That depends on the cat doing the slapping of course. Another reason is that they don't have any other exhaust for their "predator" instincts. Get a laser pointer, a mechanical mouse, and whatever you can to let them be a predator for several minutes.
Another unfortunate reason can be a symptom or sign of distress. Some kind of illness. So they get cranky and a bit more violent. So if you see your cat slapping another cat, try to read his body language.
Cats Outnumber Dogs
According to statistics, dogs are more popular pet option than cats. However, in the United States, cats outnumber dogs. There are about 74 million cats and around 70 million dogs in the U.S.
Unfortunately, less than half of all these cats in the U.S. have a forever home. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, only about 36 million cats have owners.
The Reason Why Cats Sleep So Much
Do you think that you have a lazy cat since it likes to sleep so much? Well, don't worry, all cats are like this. The reason why cats sleep so much is that they need to save energy for their hunts. This is also the reason why they're so active at night.
Just like their big cat cousins, your cute little cat is hardwired to hunt at night. And, if you are interested in official numbers, cats spend about 70% of their lives sleeping.
Meows Actually Have a Meaning
When a cat meows, we think that it is just trying to communicate with another cat. In reality, it might be trying to communicate with you as well.
When they want to communicate with each other, cats mostly use their scent and body language. The only time when cats meow to other cats is when they are still kittens who want to communicate with their mother. These smart creatures realize quickly that humans are their caretakers, so they meow in order to get our attention.
Men Who Own Cats Are True Gentlemen
It seems that guys who own cats are chick magnets for some reason. Actually, there is a very good reason why ladies can't help but fall for guys who are cat lovers.
It takes a lot of care, patience, and compassion to be able to take care of a cat. Ladies know this and that is why they believe that guys who own cats would handle romantic relationships the same way. It just seems that guys who are cat owners have more luck in the love department!
Cats Really Do Have Unique Personalities
Every cat owner knows that no two cats are alike. It seems as if every cat has a personality on its own. And, there is a scientific explanation to back this all up.
According to a study by the University of Messina’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, captivity can profoundly affect certain animals, including cats. Genetics do play an important part when it comes to the behavior and personality of a cat, but so does its environment. This means that a cat can take on the behavior of its owner as well!
Picky Eaters
We doubt that it would come as a surprise to learn that the little tigers residing in our homes are an obligate carnivore, or to put it more simply - meat lovers. In fact, cats rely on the nutrients they get from meat, and will rarely opt for anything that didn't previously belong to some poor animal.
But it's not just their menu choices that make them so picky. A cat's appetite can be ruined by loud noises, the smell of other animals, proximity to the litterbox, or just a dirty bowl. And if given the wrong type of food, or even if they've been eating a bit too fast, this whole meal can end up as one big mess on your favorite carpet. Sometimes owners will find that they have to mix several brands of cat food in order to please their feline overlords. And here you thought that humans' dietary restrictions can be taxing.
They Have Their Own Island in Japan
In the early 20th century, the one-mile-long Japanese island of Aoshima had a busy economy based on fishing. The residents imported cats to help combat the infestation of mice that had taken hold, and since then, as the years have gone by, the feline population has continued to multiply almost unchecked as the fishing industry died down and residents began to move away.
Current estimates put the ratio of cat-to-human populations at as high as 36:1. This ratio has only increased as the already-elderly residents of the island have continued to pass away and the cats are fed by tourists. However, in 2018, it was decided that the feline population would begin to be spayed and neutered to prevent the population from collapsing.
Why Cats Follow Humans Into the Bathroom
Cats tend to be mysterious and intriguing tiny creatures. One minute they may be pretending that you don't exist, and the other they'll be running after you into the bathroom. If your cat has a tendency to follow you into the bathroom, there might be an explanation why.
There's no concrete evidence to explain this unusual behavior yet. However, Mikel Delgado, a postdoctoral fellow at the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis, might have a good explanation. “Their litter box might be in there, so it could be a room that smells very familiar," she says. "Cats also probably know that when we are on the toilet, we are a captive audience — nowadays we are so busy and distracted that many cats are probably looking for an opportunity to have our undivided attention!”
Cats Can Be Lactose Intolerant
What is your first instinct when you see a helpless kitty on the street? Probably to provide it some nourishment such as a saucer of milk. That is what popular culture taught us after all.
Next time you find yourself in this situation, we advise you to pour the cat some water instead because cats can develop lactose intolerance. If you've ever come across a cat who refused to drink milk, this is probably the reason.
An Italian Cat Inherited $13 Million
Can you believe that one cat named Tommaso is wealthier than a large part of the human population? Tomasso lived in Italy with his owner Maria Assunta. In 2011, Assunta passed away at the age of 94 and left all of her belongings to Tomasso.
Assunta's belongings were worth around $13 million and they included villas from Calabria to Milan. Before he became the richest cat alive, Tomasso was just another street cat roaming the streets of Rome.
The Mayor Of an Alaskan Town
Have you heard of Talkeetna? It is a small town in Alaska and it had quite an unusual mayor. Namely, Stubbs became the mayor in 1998. And, Stubbs is a cat! He won the mayoral election as a part of a write-in campaign. And, he remained in office until 2017, when he passed away.
During the time when Mayor Stubbs was in office, there was no actual human mayor to run the town. This shows how seriously he took his role and how good he was at his job. Stubbs passed away at the age of 20.
Cats Don't Like Sweets
If you have a cat, then you may have noticed that it will eat anything you give to it. Anything, except sweets. Apparently, cats don't have a sweet tooth, but there is an even greater reason why your cat will never beg for cake or chocolate.
The reason why cats don't like sweets is because they can't taste them. Yes, you read that right! They are one of the few mammals in the world that don't have the receptors for sweetness.
Cats May Have Domesticated Themselves
We humans are known for domesticating all sorts of animals. However, there is a popular belief that cats actually domesticated themselves. This makes sense because they are independent creatures. So, it isn't necessary for them to have humans around but it sure is useful sometimes.
Researchers have discovered that today's domesticated cats are a result of feral cats who existed thousands of years ago. Back in those times, human farming communities attracted all sorts of delicious pests and rodents. Cats noticed this and they decided to stick with humans ever since.
The Reason Why Cats Lick Themselves
Even though you may hate sweating, it is actually very useful since it helps our bodies cool down. We are lucky enough to have sweat glands almost all over our bodies. However, cats have them only on their paws. But, this doesn't mean that cats' paws are the only way these creatures can regulate their body heat. If you have a cat, then you must have noticed that it spends an excessive amount of time licking itself.
The reason why it does that is not only to stay clean but also to cool down. As the salvia evaporates from your cat's fur, it helps your cat's body cool down. Grooming can also be a sign of affection between cats, and it’s believed that their saliva has enzymes that can be a natural antibiotic for wounds. Also, it helps cats reduce their scent so that they can avoid predators.
Isaac Newton Could Have Invented Cat Doors
Many people claim that Sir Isaac Newton, a famous physicist, invented cat doors. An urban legend or not, it seems that it takes a genius to realize that cats need their own tiny doors they can walkthrough.
So, why would Isaac Newton invent cat doors? Allegedly, while he was at Cambridge, cats constantly interrupted him by scratching at his door. So, in order to fix this, he called the university carpenter and had him drill holes into his door.
Sending Cats Into Space
In the 1960s the Americans and Russians were devoted to their space race. However, France wanted to take part, too. They thought that sending chimps and humans into space was too mainstream, so they decided to send a cat in 1963.
On October 24. 196, Félicette the cat aka "Astrocat," was launched 130 miles into orbit on a liquid-fueled French Véronique AG1 rocket Félicette was picked only after the first cat Félix went missing.
Cat Lovers Are Usually Introverts
Many people think that cat lovers are more introverted but also independent than those who like dogs more. If you think about it, the behavior of cats and introverts is very similar.
Just like cats, introverts are quite independent and they like to be on their own. In addition, they do everything at their own pace and on their own. This also means that both cats and introverts are good at finding a way to amuse themselves.
Cats Sometimes Eat Grass
Did you know that cats sometimes eat grass? Cat owners tend to get upset every now and then because they may notice that their cat has messed up their lawn. But, the only reason why cats do this is because it helps improve their health.
The reason why cats eat grass is that it acts as a laxative for them. So, no, your cat doesn't hate you. It just needs to eat your grass to help things move along smoothly.
Cats Knead Their Paws When They're Content
Isn't it sweet when your cat kneads its paws on you? There isn't one universal explanation why felines have the need to push their paws in and out soft surfaces, but there are a few theories.
The most popular behavior is that cats kneading their paws is leftover behavior from their kittenhood. When they are kittens, cats tend to knead their paws into their mothers to express their content and also increase milk flow.
Cats Were Banned From The Vatican
The Vatican is open to all devout followers of Catholicism and all tourists as well. However, they won't let any cats in. It all started with Pope Gregory IX who hated cats and proclaimed them to be the embodiment of the devil.
Then, in the 1400s, Pope Innocent VIII took his place. At this time, there were witch crusades all over Western Europe. And, since cats were associated with witches, they were officially excommunicated from the Vatican.
Lincoln Appreciated His Cat More Than His Cabinet
There are historical figures who hated cats and there are those who didn't. One of them was Abraham Lincoln. He and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, loved cats so much and they owned a few of them while they were living in the White House.
Lincoln's cats were named Tabby and Dixie. Often, he came across strays and he would take them home with him every time. Allegedly, Lincoln was so fond of cats that during his first term he said, "Dixie is smarter than my whole cabinet! And furthermore, she doesn't talk back!"
Cats Are Able to Taste Smells
Imagine being able to taste smells... Well, cats can do it. They have a sensory organ in the roof of their mouth that allows them to taste smells. Since cats have limited taste receptors, they can smell that their hunger depends on.
This unusual organ is called the Jacobson's organ or the vomeronasal organ. It has special ducts that lead to the nose and mouth and help the cat analyze scents more thoroughly.
It Is Possible to Fix Hairballs
"Bezoar" is a scientific term for a mass that gets trapped in the gastrointestinal system. Therefore, it is perfectly logical that a hairball is also called a trichobezoar. Besides sleeping, what cats spend a lot of time on is licking themselves. For that reason, fur tends to accumulate in their stomach. When the amount of fur becomes too big, cats vomit it.
One of the best ways to resolve the hairball accumulation is by grooming your cat often. In addition, you can try giving your cat special foods that are supposed to help the hairball pass normally.