Cat
s are mysterious creatures that have captured the hearts of humans for centuries. With their cute fur, soft purrs and playful attitudes, it's no wonder so many people love them. However, despite our love and admiration for these animals, there is still much we don't know about cats. Here are some cold, hard facts about these feline friends.
1. Cats Sweat Through Their Paws Cats don't have sweat glands all over their bodies like humans do. Instead, they sweat through their paws. When a cat is hot or agitated, you might notice wet prints on the floor or furniture where they've been walking or sitting.
2. They Have a Third Eyelid Cats have an inner eyelid called the nictitating membrane. This translucent eyelid moves across the eye to protect and moisten it. You might notice a cat's third eyelid when they're sleeping or yawning.
3. They Can't See in Complete Darkness Contrary to popular belief, cats can't see in complete darkness. However, they have excellent night vision due to their large eyes and the tapetum lucidum. This structure reflects light back through the retina, enhancing their ability to see in low light conditions.
4. They Have More Bones Than Humans Cats have 230 bones in their bodies, compared to 206 in humans. This is partly due to the flexibility of a cat's spine, which allows them to twist and contort their bodies in seemingly impossible ways.
5. They're Not Allergic to Chocolate While dogs are famously allergic to chocolate, cats are not affected by it. However, that doesn't mean it's safe for them to eat. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can be toxic to cats in large amounts.
6. They Use Different Meows for Different Purposes Cats use a variety of meows to communicate with humans and other cats. A short, high-pitched meow might indicate a friendly greeting, while a low-pitched meow or yowl might indicate pain or annoyance. Cats also use chirps, purrs, hisses and growls to express themselves.
7. They Require Taurine in Their Diet Taurine is an amino acid that is essential for a cat's health. Unlike dogs and humans, cats cannot produce taurine in their own bodies and must obtain it through their diet. Taurine helps maintain healthy vision, heart function and digestion.
8. They Can't Taste Sweetness Cats lack the taste buds needed to detect sweetness. This is because they evolved as carnivores, and their taste buds are more geared towards detecting proteins and fats. So while you might enjoy a sweet treat, your cat probably won't be interested.
9. They Have More Sensitive Ears Than Humans Cats have excellent hearing and can hear frequencies up to 60,000 Hz. In comparison, humans can only hear up to 20,000 Hz. This sensitivity to sound is what allows cats to detect prey from a distance.
10 They Can Drink Saltwater Unlike humans and many other animals, cats have the ability to drink saltwater without getting sick. This is because their kidneys are able to filter out the salt, preventing dehydration. In conclusion, cats are fascinating animals with many unique traits and abilities. Understanding these cold, hard facts can help us appreciate and care for our feline friends even more. So next time you're cuddled up with your cat, take a moment to appreciate all the amazing things that make them so special.