10 things you didn't know about cats
- 17 May 2019
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We all think that we know our feline friends inside and out, but cats are even more interesting pets than we thought. Our 10 interesting facts that you might not already know about cats can help you understand some of the weird and wonderful behaviour of our loyal friends and potentially help them live happier and healthier lives.
1. They don’t have collar bones
Cats don’t have collar bones. This gives them the ability to squeeze through small spaces, provided the space is no smaller than the size of their head!
2. Cats sweat through their paws
As they are covered in fur, cats have very few sweat glands over their body. Most of them are on the pads of their paws. Therefore, when it’s hot, you’ll see tiny wet paw prints across your floor. They also cool themselves by panting and licking their fur.
3. They always land on their feet
Cats always land on their feet. To do this, they tuck themselves into an umbrella shape which is called the righting reflex
4. They can’t taste anything sweet
Due to a genetic defect, cats can’t taste anything sweet. They are lacking the receptor that detects the sweet taste.
5. Cats can drink saltwater
Weirdly, cats can drink saltwater. Their kidneys are for efficient that they can filter out the salt. This allows cats to stay hydrated even when drinking salty water.
6. Purring may be a form of self-healing
A cat’s purr may be a form of self-healing. We all know cats purr when they’re happy, but they also purr when stressed or in pain.
7. Every cat’s nose print is unique
Like human fingerprints, cats nose prints are unique.
8. Cats have a dominant paw
Like humans, cats have a dominant paw, just like being left or right-handed. But this may depend on your cat’s gender. According to research conducted in 2009, male cats are usually left-pawed, whereas female cats are usually right-pawed.
9. They think that you can’t look after yourself
Ever wondered why your cat brings you ‘presents’? Well, it’s because they think you can’t look after yourself. As they don’t see you hunting, they will do it for you and bring back the goods!
10. Cats can’t see anything less than a foot away
Cats eyes are so large and as they are hypermoptic, they can’t see anything less than a foot away from them. This is where their whiskers come in useful. Cats whiskers can detect things that their eyes cannot.
