By: Song E.
Here are some interesting (and maybe weird) facts about cats you may not have known!
Cats can Drink Salt Water
Unlike us, cats’ kidneys can filter salt, allowing them to drink seawater!
They’re Always Sleeping
Cats can’t get enough sleep; they actually spend 70% of their lives sleeping.
Sweaty Paws
Cats sweat through their paws and use them to mark their territory.
Natural Hunters
Even domesticated cats are natural born hunters! (They’re always bringing dead birds home)
Cat Alzheimer’s
Yes, they can get a version of Alzheimer’s or dementia around the age of 8–-this may be why they’re constantly meowing.
Use Their Whiskers to Sense Space
Cats’ whiskers can grow to the width of their bodies. They use them to sense if they can fit into a small space or not.
Cats Love Heights
They’re actually more likely to survive when falling or jumping from higher up because it can take them time to sense that they are falling at all. Cats use an “umbrella” form when they fall, just like a skydiver––no wonder they almost always land gracefully.
Originate from Africa
All domesticated cats trace back to five kinds of African wild cats all the way from 8000 B.C.!
They Have Nose Prints
Cats’ noses have ridges on them, making each one unique. They’re just like us and our finger prints!
Adults Don’t Meow
When cats grow up, they no longer meow to each other. Adults only meow to humans when they want something (they’re so darn cute, they get what they want anyway, don’t they?).
Great Ear Control
Cats can move their ears 180 degrees and separately! They have 20 muscles that control their ears. 20!
A Group of Cats is Called a Clowder
Who knew?
Can’t Taste Sweetness
So they can’t taste how great your candy is, huh?
Often Lactose Intolerant
Yes! Most cats are actually lactose intolerant, so cut down on the milk!
Don’t Eat Raw Fish
They actually shouldn’t eat raw fish––those cartoons fooled us.
Have a Dominant Paw
Females are typically right-paw dominant and males are typically left-paw dominant.
Brains are Similar to Human Brains
Cats’ brains are actually 90% similar to the human brain!