That cats are peculiar pets is something we all know, of course. We have researched these unusual facts about cats and list them here for you. Do you recognize some of them?
20 unusual facts about cats
- The cat walk. Cats have a unique way of walking, where they move their hind legs first and then their front legs.
- Memory. Cats have an excellent memory. This allows them to remember where food and safe shelters are.
- Smell. Cats have a unique organ in their nose called the Jacobson's organ. They can detect pheromones with it, which helps in communicating with other cats.
- The cute "kneading." Cats make a special movement with their paws, known as kneading. They do this to stimulate their mother to produce milk. Adult cats still do this, indicating that they feel comfortable with their owner, or should we say servant ;)
- Territory. Cats mark their territory by leaving scent flags on objects. They do this by spreading small amounts of urine to let other cats know that this is their area.
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- Whiskers. They seem useless but are very important. A cat's whiskers are very sensitive. They help them explore the environment and avoid obstacles. If the whiskers fit through a passage, the cat knows it can fit completely. With their whiskers, they can even feel the airflow and determine where a scent comes from.
- Cats have a high tolerance for sodium. Unlike other animals, they can survive on water that is too salty.
- We all know cats meow and purr, but did you also know that cats can hiss and growl? Through the different sounds a cat makes, it gives a warning, from feeling good to I'm angry, stay away from me.
- A cat's reaction time is lightning fast. Cats can respond to stimuli in just 1/6th of a second.
- Cats hunt, but not by chasing. They lie still and wait for the prey to come closer. This is also called "resting and waiting." Once the prey is close enough, the cat moves.
- Hearing, cats have perfect hearing and can perceive sounds that humans cannot hear.
- They have a flexible spine and can twist and bend their bodies into almost any imaginable position. That's why they almost always land on their feet, especially combined with their quick reflexes.
- Cats sleep an average of 15 hours a day (sounds nice, right?), spending up to 70% of their lives sleeping.
- Almost all cats prefer warm spots, which is why they often lie in the sun on the windowsill or near a heater in winter.
- Cats are capable of healing themselves. Cat saliva contains antibacterial properties that help prevent infections. By licking, they care for their wounds and largely heal them on their own.
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- Cats communicate not only by meowing or purring, but also through touch. Hence the head butting; in this way they seek affection and show love.
- Picky. That cats are picky about food has a reason. Cats have about 475 taste buds compared to 9,000 in humans. Hence, your cat can be quite picky with food.
- Cats are also known for their memory. They can recognize faces, voices, and sounds of people.
- Cat ears. They are of course incredibly cute, but did you know that cats can move their ears independently? This way they can locate sounds from different directions.
- What seems almost unthinkable is actually possible. You can teach your cat tricks, such as using a cat flap, giving paw, and even fetching with toys. You need a bit more patience than when training a dog, so go for it!
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Did you know all 20?
Did you also know, for example, that a cat feels safer from a greater height because it has an overview? Of course, RHRQuality has excellent Cat trees for this, such as the magnificently beautiful Maine Coon Tower, available in various colors and configurations.
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