101 Fascinating Cat Facts (2024 Infographic Update)

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’ll undoubtedly bring you joy.

People often can’t decide whether to get a cat or a dog. Somehow, they tend to opt for the latter, believing the widespread misconception that cats aren’t as loyal to their owners.

Perhaps they don’t realize just how fascinating cats are. That’s why we’ve researched these adorable creatures and come up with 101 cat facts to prove how great they can be!

Don’t miss our detailed infographic below depicting each of the interesting pet statistics we’ve discussed!

1. They are meticulously clean. They spend about half of their average day grooming.

Cats spend quite a large portion of their waking hours on grooming. Not only do they groom themselves, but cat health facts reveal that they also take care of their kitty friends’ cleanliness.

However, hygiene isn’t the only reason cats groom themselves. They also do it for relaxation, cooling down in warm weather, and bonding with their companions.

2. A long-haired cat’s fur has to be brushed or combed 3 times per week.

It’s one of the well-known facts about cats with long hair. Their coats are prone to tangling, although some long-haired cats have no matting problems at all.

To avoid having to trim your cat’s most extraordinary embellishment, you’ll need to dedicate some extra time to brushing its fur at least three times a week.

3. Other random details reveal that apart from the ones on their faces, felines have whiskers on other parts of their bodies too.

Another of the top 10 facts about cats relates to their whiskers. Typically, a cat has about 24 whiskers on its face. If you’re a cat owner, you must have noticed the slightly shorter ones right above their eyes and on their chin, but that’s not all.

They also have whiskers on the backs of their front legs — the so-called carpal whiskers. They serve as yet another “pair of eyes” while they’re hunting.

4. As for the eye glow you see in photographs, this happens because of the particular cells in the backs of their retinas.

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’s retinas known as tapetum lucidum.

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’s sharp night vision.

5. Their eyes reveal that their pupils expand and shrink faster than human pupils.

This is precisely what allows a cat’s vision to adjust to different lighting so quickly. Here are some more interesting facts about cats for kids:

Big cats’ eyes (such as lions) constrict into tight circles the same way humans’ 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.

6. They are far-sighted.

As we’ve said, cats have excellent night vision and can see objects sharply in minimal light. But they can have difficulty focusing on close-up objects.

Here’s one of the cat facts you won’t believe. On the human vision scale, their visual capacity for these objects is estimated at 20/100.

7. They have a palpebra tertia, a.k.a. a third eyelid.

This membrane is vital to a cat’s eye health since it distributes moisture over the eye’s surface and removes harmful deposits. It’s also believed to protect cats’ eyes from the tall grass in the wilderness.

8. Tabbys may have a dominant front paw.

Many cat fact 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.

It’s 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’ll probably figure out which one is its dominant paw.

9. Your feline’s ears are one of its most straightforward communication tools.

Another of our cool cat facts 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.

10. One strange piece of information is that their noses are unique. No two have the same “nose print.”

Cats’ noses are their most powerful sense organ, with approximately 200 million scent receptors. But one of the most interesting cat facts is that every cat’s nose is unique. It has an unrepeatable pattern of bumps and ridges, just like human fingerprints.

11. Their claws grow continuously, just like human nails.

Cats’ claws don’t stop growing. However, they may wear them down when they walk or when a cat cleans itself. 

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.

12. Their tail helps them keep their balance.

Apart from being a helpful mood indicator, your cat’s tail serves another purpose. True facts about the cat in your life indicate that it’s their tails that help them look so dexterous when walking along narrow spaces, such as fences.

A cat’s tail is so vital, any injuries to it can permanently damage the cat’s quality of life. For example, it can affect their urination and defecation control.

13. Did you know that they only sweat through their paws.

Cats are built to endure the heat. However, their thermoregulation mechanisms function differently than ours. They sweat only through their cute little paw pads.

Another trick that helps them cool down is releasing saliva onto their fur while grooming and avoiding the sun.

14. Calico and tortoiseshell pussycats aren’t the same.

Calico cats facts 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.

Calicos typically have three colors in their coat, one of which must be white. On the other hand, tortoiseshell cat facts reveal that they always have two colors. It’s usually the combination of black/brown and ginger.

15. All felines are tabbies.

What is a tabby cat? Every cat is a tabby cat. The expression doesn’t refer to a breed but to a coat pattern.

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.

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.

16. A fascinating thing about orange tabbies is that they’re almost always male.

Nobody has an explanation for this phenomenon, but 80% of orange cats are male. 

However, facts about orange cats like these are fascinating because they indicate a specific correlation between coat color and sex.

17. A white kitty’s fur might be just a huge white spot.

The S gene, also known as the spotting gene, is responsible for white spotting on a cat’s coat, but this specific gene could also “paint” the whole coat white. This basically makes the cat’s fur a giant white spot, spreading throughout its entire body.

18. Domestic felines have been held as pets for at least 4,000 years.

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.

Cats’ facts reveal that cats in ancient Egypt were appreciated so much that some were even buried with them.

19. Domestic animals are equally as skillful at hunting as their big cat relatives.

Domestic cats are natural hunters, just like their wild relatives. They know how to make use of their sharp claws and teeth. 

Also, they have sharp night vision, exceptional sound sensitivity, remarkable balance, and agility.

20. According to medieval writings about black cats, they were tossed in the flames along with the women accused of being witches.

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 “forgiven” if they had “an angel’s kiss mark,” i.e., a trace of white fur on their coat.

21. The fur of a black moggy can “rust” with sun exposure.

Sun exposure can change the color of a cat’s fur, which is especially striking on a black cat. Facts reveal that the sun breaks down the melanin pigment that colors a cat’s fur. And thus, a black cat can turn into a rusty brown one.

22. Siamese cats are born white. Their markings don’t show up until several weeks following birth.

This happens because the warmth of the womb blocks the color gene from reaching the kitten’s fur. Once they’re exposed to a cooler atmosphere, Siamese kittens usually start to develop pigment in their faces, as well as on their paws and tails.

23. The Siamese is one of the most talkative breeds.

If you’ve ever spent some time around a Siamese cat, one of the facts you must know is that they tend to be overly chatty.

They won’t ever hesitate to vocalize their opinions on anything they encounter. Whether it’s dissatisfaction with their meal or merely an observation of the weather. 

24. Persians don’t enjoy constant cuddling.

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.

Still, it’s one of the most established Persian cat facts. Once they’re ready, they’ll fully respond to your attention.

25. The American Shorthair was originally a working puss.

In the early 20th century, the American Shorthair was used for killing mice, squirrels, chipmunks, beavers, porcupines, etc. Amazing cat facts reveal that it was meant to work only, so it was bred to be strong, muscular, and warm—able to survive the harsh outdoor conditions.

26. A Persian will never make a mess of your home.

If you’re 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.

One of the facts about this cat’s behavior is that it is quiet and calm, with impeccable manners. If it wasn’t for the fur, it would be difficult to even notice their presence.

27. Due to their facial structure, Persian felines have some characteristic health problems.

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.

28. Maine Coon breeds are often referred to as “the dogs of the cat world.”

One of the striking Maine Coon cat facts is that they are highly sociable and adore interacting with humans.

They’re also known for their friendliness and adaptability. If you have another cat and want to find them some company, you won’t go wrong with a Maine Coon.

Pet ownership statistics note that more than 50% of Americans have at least a cat or a dog. Cats vs. dogs facts reveal that with a Maine Coon you can get both because they get along with dogs so well. 

What’s more, they seem to have nothing against claw trimming or being walked on a leash.

29. Russian blue moggies can be tolerated by people with allergies.

In many ways, the Russian Blue is an exceptional cat. But did you know it’s also a perfect choice for cat lovers with allergies?

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 cats, information and facts also show that they seem to produce significantly fewer glycoproteins, which trigger cat allergy symptoms.

30. Sphynx felines need a bath once a week.

Contrary to what some may suppose, the not-so-fluffy Sphynx cats get dirty quickly. Some find this disgusting, but cat facts 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.

Also, to add to the hairless cat facts, don’t forget to wipe down their ears with a cotton ball since they also have the same problem.

31. One of the more surprising things about Sphynx cats is that they aren’t from Egypt.

As strange as it sounds, this unique breed originates from the land of ice and snow — Toronto, Canada.

People tend to link them to Egypt because they resemble the ancient Egyptian cat. From all of the facts about cats and dogs we’ve gathered, we can confidently say these unique felines have no known Egyptian lineage.

32. Bombay pussycats aren’t from Bombay.

Credit for the Bombay breed belongs to an American breeder, Nikki Horner, who wanted to develop a breed resembling a black leopard. According to Bombay cat facts, the first Bombay kitten was born in 1965, 15 years after she began her project.

The breed was named “Bombay” because it resembles the miniature black panthers living around Mumbai, formerly Bombay.

33. Bengal moggies love water.

Why do cats hate water so much? No one knows for sure. But we do know that, unlike most cats, Bengals adore water. They tend to follow their owner into the bathroom and watch them shower.

If you prefer some alone time in the bathroom, that’s fine. But you’ll probably hear some loud vocalization from your Bengal if you lock them out.

34. Tuxedo felines are not an actual breed.

This name originates from these cats’ bi-colored coats, which look like tuxedos. However, they don’t have to be black and white. 

Tuxedo cat facts we gathered note that it can be found among many breeds, such as Maine Coon, Turkish Angora, and the American Shorthair.

35. Siberian tomcats have existed for over 1,000 years.

This breed, considered the national cat of Russia, has a long history as per Siberian cat facts. In the 19th century England, Siberians were among the first breeds competing in the early cat shows held in England.

Today’s reports from around the world show that there are waiting lists for adopting Siberian kittens.

36. They actually only meow at humans.

Wondering why do cats meow? Have you ever noticed that your cat doesn’t meow to other cats?

While kittens may meow at their mothers, older kitties will only yowl at each other during fights or breeding season. But generally, cats meow at humans exclusively. What an honor!

37. The Ragdoll is a relatively new breed.

The breed was developed by Ann Baker in 1960s California. Baker bred a random domestic longhaired white female from her neighborhood with another long-haired cat. And that’s how the big and soft Ragdolls came to light.

38. Why do theypurr? It turns out  for various reasons.

There’s a widespread opinion that cats purr when they’re happy or pleased. But apparently, this may not be true. Some of them purr when they’re angry, scared, or even injured.

39. Their brains are far more complex than a dog’s.

A cat’s brain or, to be more specific, its cerebral cortex (the brain areas responsible for rational decision making) is much more complex than that of a dog. Namely, their cerebral cortex contains 300 million nerve cells—compared to the 160 million found in most dogs.

40. Let’s move on to some weird details: one litter of kittens may have several “fathers.”

This phenomenon is called superfecundation. It occurs when a female cat mates with more than one male cat. Thus, the kittens may absolutely have multiple fathers as long as they all mate with the female cat at the right time. This situation regularly happens with stray cats. 

41. How long are they pregnant? Felines are pregnant for 72 days at most.

The gestation period of a cat can last anywhere between 61 and 72 days. A pregnant cat rarely shows any symptoms of pregnancy. Until a few days before the end of its term, when it’s already apparent.

42. The first ever known was alive 9,500 years ago.

Fun cat facts reveal something quite interesting. Until 2004, it was believed that it was the Egyptians who domesticated the cat.

But then, French archaeologists discovered a 9,500-year-old cat body in Cyprus, which proved that cats existed much earlier than we thought.

This makes this the oldest known cat, and it predates the cats found in Egyptian art by over 4,000 years!

43. Why are they afraid of cucumbers? We don’t know, but multiple viral videos show they really are. 

Yet another slew of viral cat videos has overtaken the internet, all featuring cats being scared by cucumbers.

Since even crazy cat facts can’t reveal why cucumbers terrify them so much, we can only guess that their response isn’t connected to the cucumbers themselves. It’s likely because someone simply placed the cucumber nearby, and the cat didn’t expect that.

It’s also possible that cats mistake the cucumber for a snake.

44. They are the leading cause of the extinction of some bird species.

Here’s one of the rare disturbing cat facts. Although not the sole source, cats are primarily to blame for the extinction of 33 bird species.

While some attempts have been made at reestablishing certain species, the existence of feral cats makes it a tough job in some areas. And their reign of terror didn’t end there. Further data shows they’re also responsible for the extinction of 22 types of mammal species.

45. When a feline licks you, it’s okay to interpret it as affection. But it is most likely they’re just marking you as their possession.

Asking yourself, Why does my cat lick me? Cats mark their territory using their pheromones. Most cat owners are familiar with cats marking territory by urinating. But they do it in other ways as well.

Licking usually means that your pet has marked you as their property. What’s more, they can sense whether you’ve spent time with another cat. And when that happens, they’ll possibly avoid you.

46. Why do they knead? There are several interesting hypotheses.

Kneading is another typical feline behavior. It consists of pushing in and out with its front paws, which resembles kneading dough or making biscuits. Cats do this on many soft surfaces, ranging from a pillow to their owner’s lap.

Again, we haven’t asked cats why they do this. And the chances are we wouldn’t get answers even if we did.

But there are some hypotheses. Some pet cats’ facts claim that it’s just a kittenhood leftover. While others claim it has its roots in the period long before domestication when cats patted foliage down to make a soft surface for giving birth.

47. Why do they eat grass sometimes? The answer relates to some digestive tract issues.

If you have a cat and allow it to wander outdoors, you’ve probably seen it chew on grass. They’re likely trying to regurgitate something unpleasant they’ve eaten.

Also, if your cat’s a hunter, one of the disgusting facts about cats reveals that it nibbles grass to expunge the inedible parts of its prey, such as bones and feathers.

48. Our pets are exceptionally drawn to boxes and similar objects.

Why do cats love boxes? This is probably connected to their instincts. In the wilderness, it’s the cramped spaces that help them hide from predators—or stalk their prey.

49. Female moggies are polyestrous—they come into heat several times a year.

Female cats sexually mature basically as kittens when they’re just 6–9 months old. For male cats, it happens slightly later.

The estrous cycle is a period when a female cat is most fertile, and it can last 4–9 days, depending on whether the cat had a chance to mate or not. If the latter, the estrous cycle will last longer.

And how often do cats go into heat? During their breeding season, this period can occur every two weeks.

50. Your pet can get high by eating catnip.

What does catnip do to cats? Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial mint herb growing up to three feet whose leaves and stems contain a particular chemical that attracts cats, called nepetalactone.

When sniffed by a cat, nepetalactone triggers a “high” lasting for about 10 minutes. It’s been speculated that the effects feel similar to marijuana or LSD.

51. How long do house felines live? On average, they live for 13 to 17 years.

Since we get attached to our beloved pets, it’s natural that we tend to get concerned over how long a cat can live. The average lifespan of an indoor cat varies between 13 and 17 years. But it’s also common for some cats to exceed this. Many cats live up to 20 years.

Many factors have an impact on an indoor cat’s lifespan. They include its breed, nutrition, and how well it’s been taken care of.

52. On average, they sleep up to 15–20 hours per day. But the question is, why do they sleep so much?

If you have a cat, you’ve probably realized that its energy levels go crazy during the night. Data shows they spend two-thirds of their lives asleep. Since it’s between dusk and dawn that they’re the most active, it’s no wonder they sleep through the day.

What’s more, although they’re now tame and gentle, their physiology has retained some of the original predator’s nature. Hence, they tend to preserve their energy for night hunting.

53. What colors do they see? It isn’t certain, but supposedly they experience a combination of color blindness and trichromatism.

It’s believed that cats are trichromats. But their vision also resembles that of someone who is partially colorblind. Generally, they can differentiate between various shades of blue and green, but they get confused over reds and pinks.

54. When is National Cat Day? This illustrious day is October 29th.

While National Cat Day probably doesn’t serve to bring your pet any extra attention than it already receives, it serves another purpose.

It’s day aimed at raising awareness about the importance of adoption and the significance of neutering and spaying. All of which share the same goal: reducing the number of abandoned stray cats.

Since it was initiated, National Cat Day has helped save the lives of more than a million cats.

55. What is a group of felines called? They’re called a “clowder.”

We asked Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, and it turns out you should refer to a group of cats as “a clowder.”

But several other weird terms are referring to a group of cats. They include “a cluster of cats,” “a dout of cats,” “a clutter of cats,” “a nuisance of cats,” and—wait for it—“a destruction of cats.”

56. When one is expecting, she’s called a queen.

Ever wondered what is a female cat called? While she’s usually called any variant of “female cat,” she’s referred to as a queen when she’s expecting, about to give birth or nursing.

While this title is undoubtedly appropriate and deserved, it’s derived from “queening,” which is what we call the process of giving birth to kittens.

57. And how about male felines? They used to be called “rams” and “boars,” but now we sometimes refer to them as tomcats.

In 1760, an anonymous author wrote The Life and Adventures of a Cat, a novel in which the main protagonist was named Tom the Cat. After the book quickly gained popularity, the name tomcat replaced “ram” and “boar.”

58. Why are they so cute? It’s not just their adorable faces and fluffy bodies.

Truth be told, not everyone agrees cats are cute. Those who refer to themselves as strictly “dog people” are entirely neutral toward cats, and that’s completely fine. Even if they are totally wrong.

Still, everyone must admit that cats are remarkable creatures. They use several different “meows” to manipulate us. Most of them enjoy being carried and cradled just like human babies, and they curl up in our laps and purr.

Overall—and you can consider this one of the most accurate cat facts—their attention must be earned, so when they give it to you, it feels like a triumph.

59. They are often inaccurately perceived as solitary creatures, as revealed by their behavior.

But really, their social structure is different than that of dogs. Unlike dogs, cats very often hunt on their own. So their role as tiny, solitary predators is maybe where this misconception came from.

60. Their nipples develop long before the sex is determined, and this is why males can have nipples, too.

Like all other male mammals, male cats can have nipples, too—it’s not a thing specific to female cats.

So how many nipples do cats have? They usually have six to eight nipples. Although most cats have an even amount, some have an odd number of nipples. Some even happen to have as few as four.

Also, it isn’t unusual for kittens from the same litter to have different numbers of nipples.

61. They want to persuade their humans to hunt.

If your cat has ever brought you a dead or live mouse, they could be trying to teach you how to hunt. This is one of the more interesting cat facts for kids.

There are different opinions on why cats bring dead animals to their owners. But they certainly either want you to learn some skills from them, or they’re genuinely delivering a gift.

In either case, their intentions are entirely pure. So try not to get mad, even though dead mice aren’t the loveliest sight.

62. Research has discovered that hissing is a defensive reaction rather than a threat.

Cat experts claim that hissing is merely an expression of fear and discomfort. And when two cats are fighting, the one that’s hissing more is afraid—it isn’t the one on the attack.

63. People who own moggies are more intelligent.

Some random facts about cats suggest that people with cats are more likely to have obtained college degrees than dog people. They might even be more intelligent. However, it’s doubtful that the cat itself makes its owner more intelligent.

The rationale might have something to do with cats requiring less attention than dogs. Which makes them perfect pets for people who work longer hours. Research also shows that the most intelligent people work the longest hours.

64. Abraham Lincoln was a crazy cat president.

Let’s move on to some truly fun facts about cats. The 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, is reported to have adored cats.

When he was elected president, he got an unexpected present from William Seward, the Secretary of State: two kittens. He named them Dixie and Tabby, the cat facts note.

And on one occasion at the White House, he even fed them from the table during a formal dinner. He reportedly found pleasure in talking to his cats. And at one point, he exclaimed, “Dixie is smarter than my whole cabinet. Furthermore, she doesn’t talk back!”

65. They were the favorite animals of Catherine the Great.

This legendary Russian ruler is one of the most remarkable cat lovers among historical figures.  During her reign, cats were honored with the title of “official rat-catchers.” The former Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, today displays several works of art and artifacts.

But one of the most interesting facts about cats relates to the museum itself. It is cat-friendly and is home to hundreds of these “official rat catchers” (and supposedly, not one rat).

66. Throughout her lifetime, Florence Nightingale owned over 60 of them.

The woman who changed the face of nursing during the Crimean War was also a cat lady. She was once quoted as stating that “cats possess more sympathy and feeling than human beings.”

Apart from owning 60 cats during her life, she found homes for 17 cats. It has been reported that on her letters, there are paw prints from her cats stepping in fresh ink.

67. Mark Twain was known among his contemporaries for his love of the animal.

When it comes to house cats, facts show Mark Twain knew why they were so special. Most of us are familiar with Twain’s iconic literary contributions. But in his spare time, he was also a crazy cat person.

According to some rumors, Twain once provided shelter for 19 cats at once. When his beloved cat went missing one day, Twain reached out to several New York papers to put an ad out so he could find it.

68. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida, shelters approximately 40–50 six-toed moggies.

Ernest Hemingway was once given a white six-toed cat. Interesting facts reveal he named it Snow White. Today, his residence has been turned into a museum and an animal shelter for various shapes and breeds of polydactyl cats.

Some of these six-toed cats are the direct descendants of Snow White. Many of the cats in Key West are possibly related, too. Domestic cats’ facts reveal that this could be the reason why so many share the deformation.

Hemingway’s cats are properly cared for by the museum veterinarian, Dr. Edie Clark, performing all the routine procedures that cats require to live healthily.

69. In literature: the Brontë sisters appreciated felines and incorporated them into their works.

Apart from literary talent, the Brontë sisters also shared a love of cats. They’re even featured in some of their works, such as Wuthering Heights, Agnes Grey, and their published diaries.

If you’re interested, try searching for an English translation of Emily Brontë’s French essay, “Le Chat” (“The Cat”).

At one point within the essay, she defends cats against those who regard them as self-centered. She claims cats have more quality traits than humans and that they are entirely devoid of hypocrisy.

70. More literary information: the French poet Charles Baudelaire couldn’t resist them either.

Baudelaire is yet another literary figure who placed cats very highly. One of the poems in his most famous collection is dedicated to felines and their meowing. It is said that he used to follow stray cats and pick them up to pet them.

71. Doris Day’s love of the animal inspired her to form the Doris Day Animal Foundation.

Everyone knows of Doris Day, the late actress known for her impressive range of cinematic accomplishments. Cat facts confirm that it was due to her exceptional love for them that in 1978 she used her celebrity status to initiate the Doris Day Animal Foundation.

It’s still an existing nonprofit organization that serves to help the homeless pet community.

72. Robert Southey, an English Poet Laureate, was a dedicated feline lover.

According to reports, his cats frequently appeared in his personal correspondence. Here’s one of our amusing but weird facts about cats: he liked to help transfer messages from his cats to his friends’ cats.

What’s more, he used to pick some peculiar names for his cats. In one of his letters written in 1826 to his seven-year-old son Cuthbert, he mentioned some of these names, such as Rumpelstiltzchen and Miss Fitztrumpel.

He also added that “the Dutch cats don’t speak the same language as the English ones” and promised his son that he’d be told how these cats communicate.

73. There are also musicians such as Cher who love them.

Despite her controversial image, Cher has a cat she’s obsessed with, something symptomatic of any cat owner.

The cat is called Mr. Big, and Cher often shares his images on social media, especially on Instagram and Twitter.

Here’s a funny cat fact: when Mr. Big fell ill on one occasion, it became international news. By the way, that cat is insanely cute and incredibly fluffy.

74. The famous singer Kesha’s pet has its own Twitter page.

This funky celebrity’s cat, called Mr. Peeps, has his virtual diary on Twitter. Apart from featuring her cute cat, Kesha’s social media pages are full of other posts about cat love.

Speaking of Kesha’s cat dedication, in May 2019, the Humane Society honored the singer with their Voice for the Animals Award.

75. Purring and roaring are mutually exclusive.

Science reveals wild cats can only roar but cannot purr due to their anatomy.

So, how do cats purr? There’s a bone in a cat’s voice box called the epihyal bone. It is replaced with a ligament in big wild cats. This bone can stretch, creating a larger passage for sound production and a lower pitch, resulting in a roar.

76. The snow leopard can’t roar.

All big cats roar, but there’s an exception. One of the strangest facts about wild cats is that snow leopards actually can’t make a roar. Its vocal cords lack the elastic ligament inside the voice box that allows other big cats to roar.

77. A cheetah can run up to 70 mph.

Furthermore, they can reach that speed in just three seconds. Unlike other big cats, who’ve been granted perfect night vision so they can hunt at night, a cheetah tends to hunt during the daytime. However, they probably do this to avoid competition.

78. Male Siberian tigers are the largest in the world.

One of the most fascinating facts about cats relates to Siberian tigers. These giants are up to 11 feet long and weigh approximately 700 lbs. They’re known for their sharp night vision, which makes them great nocturnal hunters.

79. The lynx is one of the rare wild breeds that live isolated from the herd.

Lynxes sometimes go hunting with other cats, as per wild cat facts, but are generally loners. While they may appear to live in smaller groups, they actually live on their own. Typically in high altitude areas. They’re also excellent swimmers and are frequently hunting for fish.

80. Our pet are lovely, but they aren’t perfect either.

Reportedly, each year cats kill 20.7 billion smaller animals such as the poor little chipmunks, and about 3.7 billion birds.

One of the more disturbing cat facts reveals that a third of an outdoor cat’s day is spent hunting and killing animals. Even worse, studies have discovered that hunger isn’t a reason for these obscure activities.

81. They can “get depressed.”

If a typically sociable cat becomes reserved and quiet all of a sudden, there’s probably a reason for it. Make sure to give your pet your undivided attention and boost its happiness by providing its favorite food.

Your cat’s mood should improve in a couple of days, but if it persists, there might be an injury or illness you’re unaware of.

82. Let’s go back to some brighter aspects. Did you know that they can’t taste sweetness?

If you’ve ever tried to tempt your cat with sugar or spices with no reaction, that’s completely normal. Cats can’t taste sweetness, making them unique among mammals in yet another way.

83. Raw fish isn’t good for your pet.

It was probably cartoons that spread the belief that cats should be given raw fish. It turns out it’s a myth rather than a fact about cats. While it’s true they probably have nothing against these treats, uncooked fish may contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning in cats.

84.  They can become “tuna junkies.”

Although a bit of tuna fish probably won’t harm your cat’s well-being, too much of it can be harmful. Cats can become addicted to the characteristically strong tuna flavor, to the point where they might start rejecting anything else.

85. They need exercise, too.

Cats are low maintenance. You don’t have to walk them. All they do is eat, sleep, and cuddle.

Nevertheless, you must dedicate some time to keeping them active. Especially if you have house cats. Facts show they can quickly become overweight or get overwhelmed by boredom.

Some cats may need to be motivated by their owner to stalk or chase something, like a feather attached to a string. They’ll benefit from playing in the same way people do.

86. Anxiety isn’t uncommon, either.

Anxiety in cats is real. An anxious cat often hides from people. It also might urinate in unusual places, scratch too frequently, or meow excessively. Some cats are naturally nervous, while others can suddenly feel anxiety due to an underlying cause.

87. Hairless felines have some characteristic health issues.

Although the Sphynx is a relatively healthy breed, it does have specific health problems, such as respiratory issues as kittens.

Sphynx cat’s facts also reveal that they frequently suffer from certain types of heart disease, such as hereditary myopathy. But this is unrelated to their lack of coat.

88. Global warming means more kittens.

Of all the devastating results of climate change, this is probably the only cute one. Because cats are warm-weather breeders, and warmer temperatures mean shorter winters, we’ll start to see shorter periods between breeding seasons. The result is obvious, more litters.

Unfortunately, this isn’t great news. Many of these kittens end up as strays rather than pet cats, as facts show. And the data doesn’t lie — hundreds of thousands of cats are euthanized every year. So, get down to a shelter, or start recycling (or maybe both).

89. Lil Bub, the internet-famous pussycat, has dwarfism.

With her short legs, huge eyes, and cute little tongue sticking out, she first made her appearance in the virtual world eight years ago, when her photos were uploaded to Reddit and Tumblr.

90. Grumpy Cat’s looks also came from dwarfism.

Before she passed away in May at the age of seven, Grumpy was one of the most famous internet cats. And the subject of numerous memes. Her grumpy appearance came from dwarfism and an overbite.

91. Meet Business Cat – a famous meme-turning feline.

Business Cat is just a house cat called Emilio. He’d been bought a collar and tie as a Christmas present by his owners. They uploaded the photo to Reddit, and the rest is history.

92. Karl Lagerfeld’s pet, Choupette, now has her little fortune.

Choupette inherited some of Lagerfeld’s estimated $195 million fortune. Thus becoming the world’s wealthiest cat—possibly ever to exist.

93. Here’s what Scarlett, a feline from New York, did 23 years ago.

In 1996, this famous stray cat from Brooklyn risked her life to save her kittens from a fire in an abandoned garage. She got burned badly as a result. Scarlett carried each one of them out separately from the garage.

They were all adopted afterward, including Scarlett, and lived happily ever after.

94. There’s an animal called Oscar, who’s an affectionate feline embodiment of the Grim Reaper.

This is perhaps one of the weirdest cat facts from 2020. Oscar, a cat from the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island, became famous for his bizarre ability to predict death.

The staff from the Center adopted Oscar in 2005. He was always reserved, except with patients nearing death, whom he would find and comfort.

95. Little Nicky is the first clone, produced from the DNA of a 19-year-old Maine Coon who had been dead for 16 years.

Believe it or not, someone paid $50,000 to have their late Maine Coon cloned. The scientists accepted the challenge, and that’s how Little Nicky was born from a sample of a cat’s DNA.

96. And now for some funny gossip. A feline, simply known as Cat, Audrey Hepburn’s pal from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, won an award for his contribution to the movie.

In the movie, Hepburn’s character Holly Golightly referred to Cat as a “poor slob.” However, in real life, Cat had an overall different reputation.

Reportedly, Cat behaved like a human diva after finishing the scenes. He would often run away and thus interrupt production until he was found.

But he couldn’t be blamed. After all, he was just a Cat.

97. A long-haired black and white moggy named Humphrey was employed as Chief Mouser in the British Prime Minister’s residence for eight years.

Still, there’s a long list of other cats who’ve had the title of Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office. However, what makes this cat fact unique is that Humphrey happened to be the subject of some cat-napping rumors.

98. Emily, a Wisconsin pet, spent three weeks on the ocean just because she hid in the wrong box.

Like most cats, Emily had a thing for boxes. But this is one of the cat facts you won’t believe. She ended up in France for it!

Emily hid one day in a box of papers. But little did she know that she’d end up spending almost a month on the ocean. After winding up in France, she was discovered and checked by a veterinarian, who also identified her.

By the way, she made it back home via business class.

99. Tesla wrote that his childhood pet Mačak was the source of his fascination with electricity.

Tesla wrote an interesting letter in 1939 highlighting one of our favorite cool facts about cats.

“In the dusk of the evening as I stroked Mačak’s back, I saw a miracle which made me speechless with amazement. Mačak’s back was a sheet of light, and my hand produced a shower of crackling sparks loud enough to be heard all over the house…

I cannot exaggerate the effect of this marvelous sight on my childish imagination. Day after day I have asked myself, what is electricity?”

100. Mrs. Norris from the Harry Potter movies was played by three Maine Coons.

If you’ve ever been curious about this famous cat, fun facts tell us that it’s actually three. Reportedly, Mrs. Norris was played by Maine Coons, a breed of large, fluffy cats.

However, the one most often featured running around the halls of Hogwarts was a particular Maine Coon called Pebbles.

101. Salem from Sabrina the Teenage Witch was played both by puppets and real felines.

While Salem was played by a puppet most of the time, some real cats were engaged on certain occasions. Here’s one funny cat fact: Melissa Joan Hart didn’t like using them because “the set was always covered in cat food.”

 

Conclusion

Cats are adorable and make the perfect pets for those who enjoy being around them. They don’t require much of your time and are pretty independent creatures. So they’re particularly suitable pets for those with hectic work schedules.

Even if they seem indifferent when you return home to them, they’re more than affectionate toward their owners, and their cuddly moods are deeply rewarding.

Hopefully, our cat facts list has successfully highlighted why cats are such outstanding creatures—and why adopting one is always an excellent idea!

Sources:

• Best Life Online
• Business Insider
• Canidae
• Cat Behaviour Associates
• Catster
• Cattime
• Cheat Sheet
• Cole and Marmalade
• Cuteness
• Diamond Pet Foods
• Discover Wildlife
• Feline Worlds
• Fussie Cat
• Healthy Pets
• Hill’s Pet Nutrition
• iHeartCats
• Kitten Toob
• Lifewire
• Life With Cats
• Litter-Robot
• Little Things
• Mental Floss
• Mom
• National Day Calendar
• National Geographic
• PetCareRx
• PET-happy
• PetMD
• PrettyLitter
• Purina
• Purrpetrators
• Ranker
• SMH
• SoftPaws
• The Happy Cat Site
• The Spruce Pets
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• Times of India
• Waggy Meal
• Wild Animal Park
• W Magazine
• Woman’s Day