Things you didn’t know about cats and how to look after them
Are you curious about some fascinating and surprising facts about your furry friend?
Do you want to know how to take care of your cats in the best possible way?
We’ve got you covered with this article containing 16 things about cats you probably didn’t know and advice on ensuring your cat gets all the love and care it needs. So, prepare to be amazed by these incredible feline facts.
Cats are descendants of lions, tigers and leopards
Domestic cats are all descendants of wild cats, which include the lynx, ocelot, margay, Asian leopard cat and African wildcat. The most common ancestor of the house cat is thought to be the African wildcat, which still exists today.
While domestic cats have been bred to be docile and loving companions, their wild ancestors are anything but. Lions, tigers and leopards are some of the most feared predators in the world, and for a good reason. Although these big cats can weigh up to 660 pounds and stand up to 11 feet tall on their hind legs, they can also run incredibly fast.
Cats have been domesticated for over 4000 years
For thousands of years, cats have been domesticated; recent genetic and archaeological findings suggest that the domestication of cats began in the area known as the Fertile Crescent approximately 10,000 years ago.
They are now among the most sought-after pets globally and are known for their independent nature, and are often described as ‘low-maintenance’ pets. However, cats still require some care and attention from their owners, and you should know a few things about them to keep them healthy and happy.
Some more things you didn’t know about cats:
- Cats have been shown to decrease stress levels and improve moods in their owners.
- Cats need around 16 hours of sleep per day – that’s twice as much as humans!
- Cats possess remarkable night vision compared to humans, with the capability to see up to six times better in gloomier environments.
- On average, cats live for around 12-15 years, although some can live much longer – the oldest recorded cat was 34 years old!
- Cats have very sharp claws, which they use for climbing and catching prey. Therefore, providing them with a scratching post or tree to scratch on is important, as this helps keep their claws healthy and prevents them from damaging furniture or carpet.
- Cats are fast learners – they can learn simple tricks like sitting or coming when called.
Cats have a predatory instinct
Cats are predators, and their hunting instinct is strong. This can be a problem if you have other pets in the house or if you live in an area with lots of wildlife. To keep your cat safe and avoid potential conflict, provide them with plenty of toys and playtime to help burn off excess energy. If possible, create a safe outdoor space for them to explore and hunt.
Cats are obligate carnivores
Most people are aware that cats are carnivores, but what does that actually mean? Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their digestive system is specifically adapted to process animal-based proteins. This is in contrast to humans and other mammals, who are able to extract nutrients from plant-based sources.
Because of their unique physiology, cats need a diet that is rich in protein and fat, and low in carbohydrates. In addition, cats typically eat small prey animals such as rodents or birds in the wild. This diet gives them all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and thrive.
When it comes to domestic cats, a variety of commercial cat foods are available to meet their nutritional needs. However, it’s important to choose a quality product that is specifically formulated for cats. Some common health problems associated with poor nutrition in cats include obesity, liver disease, and diabetes.
If you’re unsure what food to feed your cat, talk to your veterinarian for advice. They can help you select a diet that will keep your feline friend happy and healthy for years to come!
Cats can be left or right-pawed
Cats are often considered left-handed or right-handed, just like people. However, a recent study has found that this isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, cats don’t seem to prefer either paw.
So, if your cat constantly uses its right paw to reach for things, it’s not because it’s Right-Pawed; it’s just because that’s the paw it happens to use most often. There’s no need to worry about which paw your cat uses – they’re equally adept at using both!
Most cats are lactose intolerant
Most cats are lactose intolerant, so they can’t digest milk properly. If you’re looking to treat your cat, opt for something that’s lactose-free, like some plain yoghurt or a small amount of cheese. Similarly, avoid giving your cat cow’s milk, as it can cause stomach upset and diarrhoea.
Cats sleep for up to 16 hours a day
Cats are known for their love of snoozing; they can sleep for up to 16 hours a day. That’s a lot of shut-eye! While this may seem like a lazy lifestyle, cats need all that sleep to maintain their high energy level. After all, they are predators and must be ready to pounce at any moment.
If you have a cat, you should make sure they have a comfortable place to sleep. A soft bed or cushion in a sunny spot is ideal. Cats also like to climb, so providing them with a scratching post or cat tree will give them somewhere to stretch their legs and claws.
Cats have excellent night vision
Cats have an extra set of reflective surfaces in their eyes, which helps them to see at night. When light hits these surfaces, it is reflected back into the eye and this allows the cat to see in low light conditions.
Cats have better hearing than dogs
Cats have better hearing than dogs because they have more developed inner ear structures. This allows them to hear higher-pitched sounds and helps them to orient themselves in their environment. Cats possess an enhanced sense of smell in comparison to dogs, which assists them in recognising other felines and making their way back home.
A cat’s sense of smell
A cat’s sense of smell is one of the most important things in its life. They use it to mark their territory, find prey and communicate with other cats. A good sense of smell is also necessary for a cat’s eating habits. Cats have a very strong sense of smell and can be trained to follow certain scents.
Touch is also important to cats. They use their paws to explore their surroundings and groom themselves. Cats have scent glands in their paw pads, which they use to mark their territory.
