{"id":968,"date":"2020-12-24T10:21:34","date_gmt":"2020-12-24T10:21:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=968"},"modified":"2024-02-18T16:03:47","modified_gmt":"2024-02-18T16:03:47","slug":"cat-facts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/cat-facts\/","title":{"rendered":"101 Fascinating Cat Facts (2024 Infographic Update)"},"content":{"rendered":"
Deciding to take care of a pet brings enormous responsibility. But the benefits certainly outnumber any inconveniences. Even without our list of the best cat facts, you should know that whatever furry pal you choose, they\u2019ll undoubtedly bring you joy.<\/p>\n
People often can\u2019t decide whether to get a cat or a dog. Somehow, they tend to opt for the latter, believing the widespread misconception that cats aren\u2019t as loyal to their owners.<\/p>\n
Perhaps they don\u2019t realize just how fascinating cats are. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve researched these adorable creatures and come up with 101 cat facts to prove how great they can be!<\/p>\n
Don’t miss our detailed infographic below<\/a> depicting each of the interesting pet statistics we’ve discussed!<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
1. They are meticulously clean. They spend about half of their average day grooming.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Cats spend quite a large portion of their waking hours on grooming<\/span><\/a>. Not only do they groom themselves, but <\/span>cat health facts<\/span> reveal that they also take care of their kitty friends\u2019 cleanliness.<\/span><\/p>\n
However, hygiene isn\u2019t the only reason cats groom themselves. They also do it for relaxation, cooling down in warm weather, and bonding with their companions.<\/span><\/p>\n
2. A long-haired cat\u2019s fur has to be brushed or combed 3 times per week.<\/span><\/h3>\n
It\u2019s one of the well-known <\/span>facts about cats<\/span> with long hair. Their coats are prone to tangling, although some long-haired cats have no matting problems at all.<\/span><\/p>\n
To avoid having to trim your cat\u2019s most extraordinary embellishment, you\u2019ll need to dedicate some extra time to brushing its fur at least three times a week.<\/span><\/p>\n
3. Other <\/span>random details<\/span> reveal that apart from the ones on their faces, felines have whiskers on other parts of their bodies too.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Another of the top <\/span>10 facts about cats<\/span> relates to their whiskers. Typically, a cat has about 24 whiskers on its face. If you\u2019re a cat owner, you must have noticed the slightly shorter ones right above their eyes and on their chin, but that\u2019s not all.<\/span><\/p>\n
They also have whiskers on the backs of their front legs \u2014 the so-called carpal whiskers. They serve as yet another \u201cpair of eyes\u201d while they\u2019re hunting.<\/span><\/p>\n
4. As for the eye glow you see in photographs, <\/span>this happens because of the particular cells in the backs of their retinas.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Have you ever taken a photo of your cat and noticed the spooky glowing eyes? It might seem like an otherworldly sight, but it simply occurs due to a layer of tissue behind your cat\u2019s retinas known as tapetum lucidum.<\/span><\/p>\n
This reflects light through the retinas. So when your camera flashes, the light is reflected, resulting in the eyeshine. Additionally, the tapetum lucidum contributes to a cat\u2019s sharp night vision.<\/span><\/p>\n
5. <\/span>Their eyes<\/span> reveal that their pupils expand and shrink faster than human pupils.<\/span><\/h3>\n
This is precisely what allows a cat\u2019s vision to adjust to different lighting so quickly. Here are some more interesting <\/span>facts about cats for kids<\/span>:<\/span><\/p>\n
Big cats\u2019 eyes (such as lions) constrict into tight circles the same way humans\u2019 eyes do. This is because they hunt in the daylight. Furthermore, big cats have been reported to have poorer vision in low light than their tiny cousins.<\/span><\/p>\n
6. They are far-sighted.<\/span><\/h3>\n
As we\u2019ve said, cats have excellent night vision and can see objects sharply in minimal light. But they can have difficulty focusing on close-up objects.<\/span><\/p>\n
Here\u2019s one of the <\/span>cat facts you won’t believe<\/span>. On the human vision scale, their visual capacity for these objects is estimated at 20\/100.<\/span><\/p>\n
7. They<\/span>\u00a0have a palpebra tertia, a.k.a. a third eyelid.<\/span><\/h3>\n
This membrane is vital to a cat\u2019s eye health since it distributes moisture over the eye\u2019s surface and removes harmful deposits. It\u2019s also believed to protect cats\u2019 eyes from the tall grass in the wilderness.<\/span><\/p>\n
8. Tabbys may have a dominant front paw.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Many <\/span>cat fact<\/span> reports vary in terms of the exact number of right-pawed, left-pawed, or ambidextrous cats. Still, most researchers agree that cats do have a dominant front paw.<\/span><\/p>\n
It\u2019s usually evident during the performance of complex tasks. For instance, try to make your cat get its food from some hard-to-reach spot, and you\u2019ll probably figure out which one is its dominant paw.<\/span><\/p>\n
9. Your feline\u2019s ears are one of its most straightforward communication tools.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Another of our <\/span>cool cat facts<\/span> is that cats use their ears to communicate with other beings. A cat owner needs to differentiate between whether their ears are erect or lying close to the head. The latter could signal irritation, and you might want to stay away.<\/span><\/p>\n
10. One <\/span>strange piece of information <\/span>is that their noses are unique. No two have the same \u201cnose print.\u201d<\/span><\/h3>\n
Cats\u2019 noses are their most powerful sense organ, with approximately 200 million scent receptors. But one of the most <\/span>interesting cat facts<\/span> is that every cat\u2019s nose is unique. It has an unrepeatable pattern of bumps and ridges, just like human fingerprints.<\/span><\/p>\n
11. T<\/span>heir claws grow continuously, just like human nails.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Cats\u2019 claws don\u2019t stop growing. However, they may wear them down when they walk or when a cat cleans itself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
As cats get older, their claws become firmer, meaning they no longer wear down as quickly. This may result in a more frequent need for trimming.<\/span><\/p>\n
12. Their tail helps them keep their balance.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Apart from being a helpful mood indicator, your cat\u2019s tail serves another purpose. <\/span>True facts about the cat<\/span> in your life indicate that it\u2019s their tails that help them look so dexterous when walking along narrow spaces, such as fences.<\/span><\/p>\n
A cat\u2019s tail is so vital, any injuries to it can permanently damage the cat\u2019s quality of life. For example, it can affect their urination and defecation control.<\/span><\/p>\n
13. Did you know <\/span>that they only sweat through their paws.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Cats are built to endure the heat. However, their thermoregulation mechanisms function differently than ours. They sweat only through their cute little paw pads.<\/span><\/p>\n
Another trick that helps them cool down is releasing saliva onto their fur while grooming and avoiding the sun.<\/span><\/p>\n
14. Calico and tortoiseshell pussycats aren\u2019t the same.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Calico cats facts<\/span> reveal that people sometimes mix up calicos with tortoiseshell cats. It mainly occurs because both breeds have coats with an abundance of colors in numerous patterns.<\/span><\/p>\n
Calicos typically have three colors in their coat, one of which must be white. On the other hand, <\/span>tortoiseshell cat facts<\/span> reveal that they always have two colors. It\u2019s usually the combination of black\/brown and ginger.<\/span><\/p>\n
15. All felines are tabbies.<\/span><\/h3>\n
What is a tabby cat<\/span>? Every cat is a tabby cat. The expression doesn\u2019t refer to a breed but to a coat pattern.<\/span><\/p>\n
But, depending on which one of the genes the cat has inherited, either the dominant agouti gene or the recessive non-agouti gene responsible for solid colors, it will either show or not.<\/span><\/p>\n
However, pay attention to adult cats with a solid coat when they lie down in the bright sunshine. You might notice the barely detectable tabby pattern.<\/span><\/p>\n
16. A fascinating thing about <\/span>orange tabbies is that<\/span>\u00a0they\u2019re almost always male.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Nobody has an explanation for this phenomenon, but 80% of orange cats are male.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
However, <\/span>facts about orange cats<\/span> like these are fascinating because they indicate a specific correlation between coat color and sex.<\/span><\/p>\n
17. A white kitty\u2019s fur might be just a huge white spot.<\/span><\/h3>\n
The S gene, also known as the spotting gene, is responsible for white spotting on a cat\u2019s coat, but this specific gene could also \u201cpaint\u201d the whole coat white. This basically makes the cat\u2019s fur a giant white spot, spreading throughout its entire body.<\/span><\/p>\n
18. D<\/span>omestic felines have been held as pets for at least 4,000 years.<\/span><\/h3>\n
However difficult it might be for you to believe, your disarming domestic cat is a distant relative of wild beasts. Unlike their frightening yet beautiful cousins, domestic cats have been part of households for more than 40 centuries.<\/span><\/p>\n
Cats\u2019 facts<\/span> reveal that cats in ancient Egypt were appreciated so much that some were even buried with them.<\/span><\/p>\n
19. Domestic animals are equally as skillful at hunting as their big cat relatives.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Domestic cats are natural hunters, just like their wild relatives. They know how to make use of their sharp claws and teeth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Also, they have sharp night vision, exceptional sound sensitivity, remarkable balance, and agility.<\/span><\/p>\n
20. According to medieval <\/span>writings about black cats<\/span>, they were tossed in the flames along with the women accused of being witches.<\/span><\/h3>\n
The women who were thought to be witches were burnt at the stake. And if they had black cats, they were regularly burned, too. However, the cats were \u201cforgiven\u201d if they had \u201can angel\u2019s kiss mark,\u201d i.e., a trace of white fur on their coat.<\/span><\/p>\n
21. The fur of a black moggy can \u201crust\u201d with sun exposure.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Sun exposure can change the color of a cat\u2019s fur, which is especially striking on a <\/span>black cat<\/span>. <\/span>Facts<\/span> reveal that the sun breaks down the melanin pigment that colors a cat\u2019s fur. And thus, a black cat can turn into a rusty brown one.<\/span><\/p>\n
22. <\/span>Siamese<\/span> cats are born white. Their markings don\u2019t show up until several weeks following birth.<\/span><\/h3>\n
This happens because the warmth of the womb blocks the color gene from reaching the kitten\u2019s fur. Once they\u2019re exposed to a cooler atmosphere, Siamese kittens usually start to develop pigment in their faces, as well as on their paws and tails.<\/span><\/p>\n
23. The Siamese is one of the most talkative breeds.<\/span><\/h3>\n
If you\u2019ve ever spent some time around a <\/span>Siamese cat<\/span>, one of the <\/span>facts<\/span> you must know is that they tend to be overly chatty.<\/span><\/p>\n
They won\u2019t ever hesitate to vocalize their opinions<\/span><\/a> on anything they encounter. Whether it\u2019s dissatisfaction with their meal or merely an observation of the weather.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
24. Persians don\u2019t enjoy constant cuddling.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Unlike most cat breeds, Persians are okay with not having 24\/7 access to your lap. However, they love to spread out on their own on the sofa or a favorite chair.<\/span><\/p>\n
Still, it\u2019s one of the most established <\/span>Persian cat facts<\/span>. Once they\u2019re ready, they\u2019ll fully respond to your attention.<\/span><\/p>\n
25. The American Shorthair was originally a working puss.<\/span><\/h3>\n
In the early 20th century, the American Shorthair was used for killing mice, squirrels, chipmunks, beavers, porcupines, etc. <\/span>Amazing cat facts<\/span> reveal that it was meant to work only, so it was bred to be strong, muscular, and warm\u2014able to survive the harsh outdoor conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n
26. A Persian will never make a mess of your home.<\/span><\/h3>\n
If you\u2019re thinking of getting a cat and are worried that it will run around and knock down the things in your home, a trustworthy Persian is the perfect breed for you.<\/span><\/p>\n
One of the <\/span>facts about<\/span> this <\/span>cat\u2019s<\/span> behavior<\/span> is that it is quiet and calm, with impeccable manners. If it wasn\u2019t for the fur, it would be difficult to even notice their presence.<\/span><\/p>\n
27. Due to their facial structure, Persian felines have some characteristic health problems.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Although their flat faces are beautiful and sweet, this feature makes Persians susceptible to some health problems. These include noisy breathing caused by their constricted nostrils and the occasional dental malocclusions.<\/span><\/p>\n
28. Maine Coon breeds are often referred to as \u201cthe dogs of the cat world.\u201d<\/span><\/h3>\n
One of the striking <\/span>Maine Coon cat facts<\/span> is that they are highly sociable and adore interacting with humans.<\/span><\/p>\n
They\u2019re also known for their friendliness and adaptability. If you have another cat and want to find them some company, you won\u2019t go wrong with a Maine Coon.<\/span><\/p>\n
Pet ownership statistics note that more than 50% of Americans have at least a cat or a dog<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Cats vs. dogs facts<\/span> reveal that with a Maine Coon you can get both because they get along with dogs so well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
What\u2019s more, they seem to have nothing against claw trimming or being walked on a leash.<\/span><\/p>\n
29. <\/span>Russian blue moggies<\/span>\u00a0can be tolerated by people with allergies.<\/span><\/h3>\n
In many ways, the Russian Blue is an exceptional cat. But did you know it\u2019s also a perfect choice for cat lovers with allergies?<\/span><\/p>\n
There are two reasons for this. First of all, these cats have a thick coat that seems to trap allergens. Second, when it comes to Russian Blue <\/span>cats<\/span>, <\/span>information and facts<\/span> also show that <\/span>they seem to produce significantly fewer glycoproteins, which trigger cat allergy symptoms<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n
30. Sphynx felines need a bath once a week.<\/span><\/h3>\n
Contrary to what some may suppose, the not-so-fluffy Sphynx cats get dirty quickly. Some find this <\/span>disgusting<\/span>, but <\/span>cat facts<\/span> reveal their skin produces oil that forms a greasy layer over their bodies. In other cats, the oil is distributed over their fur to keep it shiny.<\/span><\/p>\n
Also, to add to the <\/span>hairless cat facts<\/span>