catsgalore
We are all enamoured by our pet cats. These feline entities are natural charmers, we wouldn’t be able to resist them once they give us a blank but commanding stare, when they begin to purr on our feet, and upon that instant, they begin to meow at us.
We can’t help but fall under their spell and give them all the love and attention they crave.
Of course, we just want nothing less but to have our cats love us back, but wouldn’t be interesting to get to know the feline species better? Well, cats come with their own share of totally amusing facts, and you just have to know some of these to help understand them better.
Here’s some pertinent cat trivia that you should know right under your sleeve!
Cats win the popularity vote in the United States!
While it is true that dogs are among the most popular pets in the world, in the United States cats win the popularity vote! There are over 88 million pet cats in the US compared to only 74 million pet dogs. This just goes to show how much Americans love their feline friends.
And that’s counting the pets alone. If you include the cats in shelters, there are also an estimated 5 million of them waiting to be adopted! In fact, did you know that there are more cat owners than dog owners in the United States?
How about that for astounding!
Cats and their jumping skills.
How high can cats jump? Five feet? Ten feet? Well, you better think again! Cats are naturally athletic animals with powerful hind legs that allow them to leap great heights.
One of the best traits of cats is their ability to jump from high places. This is because of their capability to balance and land on all their feet once they hit the ground. There are times, however, when they lose their control or estimate of their landing, and this often leads to injury.
In case you didn’t know, there are cats who have survived falling from over 32 stories (320 meters) and landed safely on concrete. There’s also a world record for the highest cat jump that belongs to a domestic cat named Alley, who jumped an astounding height of 6 feet vertically from a standing position! While that’s the current record, it’s not pretty shabby for them, right?
In addition to that, cats are able to jump up to six times their own body length! That’s like an average human jumping over 10 meters in a single leap! This just goes to show that cats are not only cute and cuddly, but they also possess impressive physical abilities.
Do you have a clowder?
Yes, that’s the term for a group of cats! While we are all familiar with terms like “a pride of lions” or “a school of fish,” did you know that there is also a unique term for a group of cats? It’s called a clowder! The next time you see a group of cats, go ahead and impress your friends with this fun fact.
This word originally comes from the Old English word “clodder” which refers to a “clotted mass” or a group of objects clustered together. In this context, it references the tight-knit nature of cats and their tendency to stick together.
Yes, it’s kind of awkward to say the word out loud, but in case you find the need to refer to your cats in one collective term, then you know what to do.
Ear flexibility.
Cats are known for their great sense of hearing, but what most people don’t realise is that they also have incredible ear flexibility. They can actually rotate their ears up to a 180-degree angle! This allows them to hear sounds and locate the source even when it’s coming from behind them.
Additionally, cats have over 20 muscles in each ear (compared to humans who only have 6) that allow them to control the movement of their ears. This is particularly useful when hunting prey or sensing danger in their surroundings. So next time you see your cat’s ears twitching, know that they are just utilising this amazing ability.
It’s more than just a cat nap.
Cats spend most of their lives in hibernation. Yes, they spend as much as 70% of their lives sleeping, working their way out in dreamland. They sleep mostly during the day, only to wake up at night to search for food and seek out some strange adventure. This is because cats are crepuscular animals, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk.
But don’t be fooled by their long naps, as cats sleep lightly and can easily be woken up at the slightest noise or movement. They also can enter a light sleep mode where they are still aware of their surroundings while getting some much-needed rest. This also allows them to quickly escape any potential danger while they sleep, making them efficient and alert predators.
Some cats have become politicians too.
Some places and communities adore cats so much they elect them to be their leaders. Did you know that a cat was once elected as mayor in Talkeetna, Alaska? Yes, Stubbs the cat served as honorary mayor of the town for 20 years! And it’s not just limited to Alaska, there have been other instances where cats have held political office. For example, Catmando was elected co-mayor (along with his canine friend) in the English town of Hartlepool.
So who says cats are not capable of ruling their own kingdom? But don’t worry, there are no signs of cats taking over the world anytime soon. They just like to keep things interesting for us humans.
Cats and their ninth life myth.
Many people believe that cats have nine lives, but this is just a myth!
Cats are famous for their agility and survivability, often leading to the saying that they have “nine lives.” This mythical number is likely attributed to their uncanny ability to often escape from high falls and other perilous situations with seemingly little injury.
In many cultures, the number nine is considered lucky or magical, which may have contributed to this popular expression. However, just like any other animal, cats only have one life and should be treated with love and care.
A palette of colours and patterns.
Cats come in a variety of colours and patterns, making each one unique and beautiful in their own way.
Some common colours include black, white, grey, brown, orange, and cream. But did you know that there are also cats with rare coat colours like blue, lilac, chocolate, cinnamon, and fawn? These unique colour genes are inherited from their parents and can create stunning coat patterns like tortoiseshell, calico, tabby, and siamese. Cats are truly a work of art in the animal kingdom!
Aside from their colours, cats also have amazing fur textures that can vary from short, sleek fur to long, fluffy coats. This not only makes them aesthetically pleasing but also serves as protection and insulation for their body.
Whiskers that work wonders.
A cat’s whiskers aren’t just for cute close-up shots. They serve as highly sensitive tactile sensors. These vibrissae are deeply embedded in the cat’s body and are connected to the nervous system, which allows them to detect changes in their environment. This sensitivity helps them measure gaps, sense the proximity of predators or prey, and navigate in the dark. Because they’re so sensitive, whiskers are also a good indicator of a cat’s mood.
For instance, when whiskers are pulled back across the face, it can be a sign of aggression or fear. When whiskers are relaxed and pointing forward, it usually means the cat is content. So next time you see your cat’s whiskers twitching, know that they are constantly gathering important information about their surroundings.
Celebrity cats with historical fame.
Cats have been a part of human history for centuries, and some feline companions have even gained fame in their own right. They have risen to fame due to their remarkable stories or unique relationships with prominent figures.
For example, Tiddles, a black cat who lived on the HMS Victory, the Royal Navy’s lead ship, was well known for travelling more than 30,000 miles by sea. Another historically celebrated feline was Tommaso, an Italian stray cat who inherited $13 million from its wealthy owner, making it one of the richest pets in the world. These cats may not be actors or singers, but they have made their mark in history and will forever be remembered by many.
With all these interesting facts about cats, it’s no wonder they have captured our hearts and become one of the most beloved pets around the world. From their physical abilities to their unique quirks, cats truly are fascinating creatures that continue to amaze and entertain us.
Let’s keep learning more about them and giving them the love and care they deserve! Remember, a happy cat leads to a happy owner! Keep on exploring the world of cats, there’s always something new to discover.
