Cats have a reputation as being independent, aloof, and standoffish animals. However, this reputation can be misleading. The truth is that cats are surprisingly intelligent and sensitive animals. In this blog post, we will explore ten surprising facts about cats that will change the way you think about your cat. Read on to learn more!
Anatomy
Cats are incredible animals, and the anatomy of cats is quite interesting. Did you know, for example, that a cat’s eyes contain a muscle that allows them to focus on its prey? Or that their whiskers are essential for their survival, providing cats with sensory feedback about their surroundings? Let’s look at some of the most interesting facts about cats related to their anatomy.
Cats have a total of 18 toes
Cats have a total of 18 toes which is roughly double the average among mammals. It is believed that cats evolved extra toes in order to maintain their grooming and grasp prey more effectively. This evolutionary trait is the reason why cats are able to properly navigate narrow spaces and climb so effortlessly despite not having opposable thumbs like other mammals.
Generally, cats have five toes on each paw up to their elbow joint and then four toes up to their shoulder joint. This particular trait is known as polydactyly, or supernumerary digit syndrome, which genetically explains how cats often appear to have extra toes. These extra “thumbs” sometimes form on the outside of one paw, commonly referred to as a “Hemingway Cat”, named after writer Ernest Hemingway who was known for having numerous polydactyl felines in his home.
Cats have 30 teeth
Cats have 30 adult teeth, with 12 incisors, 4 canines, 10 premolars, and 4 molars; this is slightly fewer than a human who has 32 permanent teeth. Cats additionally have 24 baby or “milk” teeth which are replaced by their adult teeth as the cats grow. When cats reach adulthood, the canines and incisors are sharp for cutting the flesh of prey (or crunchy kibbles) while their molars and premolars are adapted for crushing and grinding up bones.
Cats’ upper and lower jaws don’t move side-to-side but rather up and down allowing them to grab close to their body from a few angles. This also gives them powerful bites needed to subdue prey or rip through tough foods such as wool or fabric that get stuck in their mouths accidentally. Compared to humans who use only three motions for chewing—closing their mouth, pushing the food away from them with their tongue, or grinding it in front of them—cats enjoy much greater flexibility when it comes to eating.
Not only do cats have unique dental anatomy but they also suffer from dental diseases just like humans do! Brushing your cat’s teeth is key in maintaining oral health throughout his/her life – starting when they are kittens. Additionally, most vets recommend that cats undergo a yearly professional cleaning performed under anesthesia because tartar buildup can eventually lead to other health problems if not addressed early enough.
Cats have a strong sense of balance
Cats have an amazing sense of balance that helps them land on their feet, even if they fall a great height. This is thanks to their uniquely flexible backbones and a fluid-filled internal organ in the ear called the vestibular apparatus. This organ is the equivalent of our inner ear and allows cats to calculate their exact movements in three-dimensional space. Cats also possess well-developed proprioception – an ability to identify where their limbs are without having to see them – which helps them make small adjustments while they’re in midair, helping ensure they always land on their feet!
Behavior
Cats have a range of behaviors that are unique to their species. They are often known for their intelligence, agility, and playfulness. They can also be quite aloof, independent, and territorial at times. Let’s dive deep into the behavior of cats and discuss the top 10 facts about their behavior.
Cats are solitary animals
Cats are solitary animals, meaning they do not display the same behavior in a group setting as dogs. In general, cats prefer to be alone or with only another cat or two at a time and don’t actively seek out social interaction as dogs do. It is recommended that households with multiple cats provide resources such as separate food bowls, litter boxes, and sleeping areas to give each cat its own space.
Cats enjoy their independence but still need opportunities to interact with their owners. Establishing daily routines such as meal times and play times helps build trust between cats and their owners. Through these interactions, cats can become comfortable around other people and teach them to tolerate petting from strangers.
When introducing your cat to someone new it is important to have the newcomer remain still until the cat approaches them on its own terms. Felines take longer than their canine counterparts when forming relationships so it’s essential not to rush the process. With patience, most cats will come around after repeated visits from family members or guests.
Cats can be left or right pawed
Humans are used to being either left or right handed, and so have a preconceived idea that the same logic applies to animals. However, this has rarely been studied until recently. Research conducted in 2015 concluded that cats may show a preference for their left or right paw when investigating new objects, although this is not a reliable indicator of their preferred position since it can shift from one task to another. It was also determined that early socialization with an owner plays an important role in helping cats feel more relaxed around people and other animals, which can affect their individual behaviors.
Interestingly, cats may even be ambidextrous like some human beings. This comes down to trial-and-error skills; they will most likely use their left paw in reaching out for something inside of their cage and then switch to the right paw when reaching out of their cage due to the available space outside being different compared to inside. Similarly, when trying to get something through a narrow opening or gap, it is believed cats will alternate between both paws as they find which one gives them greater leverage and control over the movement.
Cats have a strong sense of smell
Cats have a vastly stronger sense of smell than humans, estimated to be around 14 times stronger. This can help them find food but also detect pheromones which they use to identify others of their own species. Cats also produce and respond to their own pheromones, like the feline facial pheromone which helps them mark and recognize familiar areas and settle into a new home. Another factor that increases their sense of smell is the Jacobson’s organ, located on the roof of their mouth between the nasopalatine ducts. This allows cats to analyze smells further and make use of more information from their environment.
Diet
Cats are mainly carnivores and they rely on meat to survive. Cats should have animal proteins as the main ingredients in their diet as it is important for their growth and development. They do enjoy some plant matter, such as fruits and vegetables, but try to limit their intake of these. Cats also require some essential vitamins and minerals in their diet for optimal health. Let’s look at some more facts about a cat’s diet.
Cats are obligate carnivores
Cats are considered obligate carnivores, meaning their diet must include animal proteins for optimal health and well-being. Cats’ bodies are designed to utilize proteins found in the prey they hunt, such as birds, rodents, and rabbits. The proteins from these foods provide energy and essential vitamins and minerals that cats can’t manufacture on their own. In addition, cats require a specific amino acid called taurine to maintain their vision and cardiovascular health. All of these nutrients can be found in commercially available cat foods as well as some food items that you already have in your pantry or refrigerator.
In general, when considering cats’ diets it is important to ensure that they have enough protein available to them at all times. While some experts suggest feeding cats commercial cat foods exclusively to ensure they get the right balance of vitamins and minerals, other experts believe that cats should be allowed to enjoy a variety of wet and dry foods—including human food—to diversify the flavors their palate enjoys while still receiving adequate nutrition needed for optimum health.
Cats need a lot of protein in their diet
Cats, along with other members of the felid family, are obligate carnivores. This means that cats require an animal-based diet to survive and have evolved specifically to consume prey animals for their nutritional needs. Cats need a lot of protein in their diet which can come from fish, beef, poultry, or eggs among other sources. Cats are also able to utilize plant protein sources like soybeans which is why they sometimes find plant material in their food palatable. Additionally, cats need certain amino acids like taurine that must be supplemented through cat food in order for them to maintain overall health and prevent illnesses such as heart disease. It is important that cats receive a nutritious diet with ample amounts of protein and essential amino acids to aid in maintaining their optimal health.
Cats should have access to fresh water
Cats should have access to fresh, clean water at all times. They should also have separate water dishes for drinking as well as for any dehydrated cat food or treats that you serve. Water will not only keep them hydrated but provide essential vitamins and minerals in their diet. Many cats have a preference for running water, so it’s worth trying a pet fountain or installing a regular stream of clean running water from the tap. If that isn’t possible, you can spice up traditional bowl feeding with novel dishes like chicken-shaped waterers and swimming fish.
Reproduction
Cats are considered to be one of the most popular pets in the world. They are known for their independent nature, intelligence, physical agility, and loyalty. When it comes to reproduction, cats can start breeding as early as 4 months of age. The female cats are known as queens, and the male cats are known as toms. Let’s take a look at some more interesting facts about cats and their reproductive habits.
Cats reach sexual maturity at 6 months of age
Cats reach sexual maturity (when they are able to reproduce) at around 6 months of age. This process varies depending on the breed, with a wider range in females; they may be able to reproduce as early as four months or as late as ten months of age. Male cats generally take longer to reach maturity and can take up to twelve months to become fully sexually mature.
At this point, cats will begin to attract potential mates through yowling, scent marking and spraying, and combat play with other males. While female cats experience heat cycles all year round, male cats tend to be seasonally active between March and September.
It’s important for pet owners to ensure that their male and female cats are not able to reproduce until they have been spayed or neutered so as not to contribute unnecessarily to the population of stray animals living on the street. Additionally, some illnesses such as FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) are spread more easily among unneutered cats; therefore it is beneficial for both pet’s health and the animal population at large for cats and kittens not intended for breeding purposes to be spayed or neutered immediately.
Cats are induced ovulators
Cats are induced ovulators, meaning that the act of mating itself prompts them to release an egg for fertilization. The female cat will generally go into heat (estrus cycle) every two to three weeks and the cycle can last anywhere from one day up to a week and a half.
When cats are in heat they exhibit numerous behaviors, such as vocalizing, rubbing up against furniture or other cats, rolling around on the ground, constant licking of their genital area, and increased affection towards people. Cats can be spayed while they’re in the heat but vets may choose to wait and let them go through at least one complete cycle before performing the procedure.
Female cats generally reach sexual maturity between five and nine months of age but it depends on their breed. Fertile females produce kittens two times a year during the breeding season (in the spring and fall). Most pregnancies last about 65 days with litters consisting of between one and eight kittens. Eating kitten food or special vitamins can help mothers conceive healthy litters of kittens.
Female cats can have multiple litters per year
Female cats that are not spayed can have one or more litters per year, depending on their age and health. While female cats can become pregnant as early as four months of age, it is advisable to wait until she is at least one year old in order to ensure her body is fully developed and ready for reproduction. When females are in heat, they will call out to male cats, who often furrow their ears back and run toward the female when they hear her.
Mating typically takes place over a few days in order for the male cat to deposit enough sperm inside the female reproductive tract for successful fertilization. After mating has occurred, the egg will be released from the ovaries and make its way down into the uterus in a process called ovulation. This is then followed by implantation of the embryo into her uterine wall usually between 8-10 days after mating has occurred.
How many litters can a female cat have per year? It largely depends on various factors such as nutrition, genetics, resources available (i.e., enough nest boxes/bedding materials), the presence/absence of territorial disputes with other free-roaming cats, or even bad weather conditions (cat populations tend to slow down or halt during rainy seasons). On average, however, an adult fertile female cat may reproduce up to three times each year if all environmental factors permit it. Ultimately though, most cats under normal conditions have an average sexual life expectancy of around two years before they reach reproductive senescence—or infertility due to age-related hormonal imbalances—at around four years of age
Health
Cats are generally very healthy animals, but there are a few things you should be aware of when it comes to your cat’s health. Cats can suffer from many of the same ailments as humans, including heart diseases, respiratory infections, and diabetes. In addition, cats can develop allergies and other health problems, so it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of these issues. Now, let’s look at some facts about cat health.
Cats can be prone to obesity
Cats can be prone to obesity due to their natural instinct for predatory behavior and lack of physical activity in many households. Felines must rely on their owners to ensure that their diet, activity level, and overall health are monitored. Just like humans, cats are at risk for developing health problems caused by poor diets, lack of exercise, and/or illness. Health risks associated with obesity in cats include diabetes as well as increased susceptibility to many types of illnesses, liver failure, respiratory ailments, arthritis, and more. It is important to monitor your cat’s weight while also providing nutritious food and ample opportunities for exercise. Keeping your cat’s weight within its ideal range can help your kitty live a longer, healthier life!
Cats can suffer from stress-related illnesses
Cats can suffer from stress-related illnesses just as humans do. Stressful situations such as change or neglect can suppress their immune system and lead to various medical conditions. Signs that your cat may be feeling stressed include excessive grooming, decreased appetite, hiding, and a decrease in activity level. If you notice any of these behaviors in your cat, it’s important to take steps to reduce their stress levels and help them feel comfortable in their environment. Talk to your veterinarian about ways to reduce stress for cats such as introducing new toys or play sessions, providing calming pheromone diffusers (such as Feliway® Comfort Zone), or providing a calm and safe space for your cat away from the commotion in the home.
Cats can be susceptible to certain parasites
Cats can be susceptible to a variety of internal and external parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and fleas. Internal parasites can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. External parasites can cause skin and fur issues. Cats should be checked by a veterinarian for disease and parasite prevention on a regular basis. Regular vet visits also provide owners with advice on preventive health care tailored to the cat’s individual needs. This includes appropriate vaccinations as well as any recommended internal or external parasite control. Owners should also perform monthly self-exams of their cats to look for unusual lumps or bumps that may indicate problems with skin, ears, teeth, or eyes which could be an indication of a serious issue needing veterinary attention.
