Our feline friends, commonly known as domestic cats, have been beloved household companions for thousands of years. From their mysterious behavior to their affectionate nature, cats have always captivated our hearts and homes.

In this article, we will uncover 40 surprising facts about our feline friends that will not only enhance our understanding of these creatures but will also make us appreciate them even more. From their incredible abilities to their quirky habits, these facts will amaze and delight any cat lover. So, let’s dive in and learn more about the fascinating world of our furry friends.

40 Surprising Facts About Our Feline Friends

Below are 40 surprising facts about our feline friends that we need to know to help us appreciate the characteristics of our feline friends but we will take the liberty to explain only a few.

1. A group of cats is called a clowder.
2. Cats spend around two-thirds of their day sleeping.
3. Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk.
4. The oldest known cat lived to be 38 years old.
5. Cats have 32 muscles in each ear, allowing them to rotate their ears 180 degrees.
6. A cat can make over 100 different sounds, while dogs can only make about 10.
7. The reason cats always land on their feet is because they have a flexible backbone and can twist their body mid-air to land safely.
8. Cats can see in the dark six times better than humans.
9. Cats have a specialized collarbone that allows them to squeeze through small spaces.
10. The hearing range of a cat is much wider than a human’s, they can hear high-pitched sounds up to two octaves higher than humans.
11. Cats have five toes on their front paws, but only four on their back paws.
12. A group of kittens is called a kindle.
13. The average cat can run up to 30 miles per hour.
14. Cats can jump up to six times their body length.
15. Cats have scent glands on their faces, paws, and tails that they use to mark their territory.
16. Around 7% of cats are left-handed.
17. Cats do not have a sweet tooth. They cannot taste sweetness because they lack the gene that allows them to taste it.
18. Cats are more likely to be lactose intolerant than dogs.
19. It’s estimated that there are over 600 million cats in the world.
20. A group of adult cats is called a clutter.
21. Cats have been domesticated for over 9,500 years.
22. Cats have a third eyelid, called a nictitating membrane, that helps keep their eyes lubricated and protected.
23. The average house cat can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
24. Cats can make over 100 different sounds, while dogs can only make about 10.
25. In ancient Egypt, killing a cat was punishable by death.
26. Cats can rotate their ears separately, allowing them to locate the source of a sound with pinpoint accuracy.
27. An average adult cat has 18 claws – 5 on each front paw and four on each back paw.
28. Cats can’t taste food that is too hot or too cold.
29. The cat’s brain has 90% similarity with a human’s brain.
30. Cats have a special organ located on the roof of their mouth called the vomeronasal organ, which helps them to taste and smell.
31. Cats have a flexible spine and powerful leg muscles, which allow them to jump up to 6 times their body length.
32. Cats are not entirely colorblind, but they can only see blues and greens.
33. A cat’s fur can aid in predicting the weather. If a cat has puffed-up fur, it could signal a storm is coming.
34. Unlike dogs, cats cannot taste sweetness because they do not have a particular taste receptor for it.
35. Cats have a strong sense of balance, which is why they can walk on narrow ledges and climb trees effortlessly.
36. A cat’s sense of smell is 14 times stronger than a human’s.
37. Cats have a strong preference for routine and can experience stress if their routine is disrupted.
38. The average cat can jump 5 times its height in one leap.
39. Cats have a flexible collarbone and no collarbone at all, allowing them to fit through small spaces and squeeze into tight spots.
40. Cats cannot taste bitterness, which may explain why they are not picky eaters.

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1. A group of cats is called a clowder

The term “clowder” comes from the Old English word “clud,” which means “a group of animals that live together.” So, when a group of cats is called a clowder, it’s referring to a group of cats that live together in the same area. The most common type of clowder is a colony of feral cats, but clowders can also be found in shelters, animal rescue organizations, and even in people’s homes. So, the next time you see a group of cats together, you can impress your friends by telling them that they’re called a clowder!

2. Cats spend around two-thirds of their day sleeping

Yes, it’s true! Cats spend about 16 hours a day sleeping, which is twice as much as the average human. Some people might find this surprising, but it makes sense when you consider how much energy cats need to conserve. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to survive. And since their diet is so high in protein, they need to spend a lot of time digesting their food. In addition, cats are natural predators and they use their sleep time to recharge their batteries for hunting and other activities. So, the next time you see your cat snoozing away, know it is one of their surprising facts.

3. Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk

It’s true! Cats are considered crepuscular animals, which means they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. This is likely due to their predatory nature, as these are the times when their prey is most active. So, the next time you notice your cat acting especially lively in the early morning or evening, it’s not just a coincidence – it’s their instinct kicking in! In addition to being crepuscular, cats are also known for being very independent and self-sufficient creatures. This is one of the many reasons why they make such great pets.

4. Cats have 32 muscles in each ear, allowing them to rotate their ears 180 degrees

Yes, it’s true! Cats have 32 muscles in each of their ears, which allows them to move their ears independently and rotate them a full 180 degrees. This is quite a feat, considering humans only have 6 muscles in each of their ears. Cats use their ears to communicate with other cats, as well as to help them hunt. Their ability to rotate their ears helps them to pinpoint the exact location of sounds, making them expert hunters. So, the next time you see your cat cocking its head to one side, you’ll know that they’re not just being cute, they’re using their amazing ears to figure out things.

5. A cat can make over 100 different sounds, while dogs can only make about 10

It’s true! While dogs are often considered to be the more vocal of the two, cats have a much wider range of vocalizations than their canine counterparts. Cats can meow, purr, hiss, growl, chirp, and even yowl. They use these different sounds to communicate with other cats, as well as with humans. Some studies have shown that cats can even use their vocalizations to manipulate their human owners! So, next time you’re trying to figure out what your cat is trying to tell you, pay close attention to the sounds they’re making.

6. The reason cats always land on their feet is because they have a flexible backbone and can twist their body mid-air to land safely

That’s right! It’s not just a myth, cats do always land on their feet. This amazing feat is thanks to their flexible backbone, as well as their vestibular system, which helps them to keep their balance. When a cat falls, it begins by twisting its body in mid-air. This helps to reduce the impact of the fall and gives the cat more time to orient itself and land on its feet. And, as a bonus, their soft paws act as shock absorbers to help cushion the landing. So, next time you see your cat leap off the couch, don’t worry, they’ll land safely.

7. Cats can see in the dark six times better than humans

It’s true, cats do have superior night vision compared to humans. This is thanks to a special reflective layer at the back of their eyes called the tapetum lucidum. This layer helps to amplify the small amount of light that enters their eyes, making it easier for them to see in low-light conditions. In addition, cats also have more rods, the cells that help with night vision in their eyes than humans do. So, next time you’re trying to navigate your way around the house in the dark, take a cue from your feline friend and rely on your other senses!

8. Cats have a specialized collarbone that allows them to squeeze through small spaces

Cats are famously known for their ability to squeeze through tight spaces, and there’s a scientific reason behind it. Cats have a flexible collarbone that allows them to compress their rib cage and pass through small openings. This unique bone structure is called the floating clavicle, and it gives cats a level of agility that other animals don’t have. In addition to their flexible collarbone, cats also have flexible spines and small, slim bodies that help them to fit through small spaces. So, the next time you see your cat disappear into a narrow opening, you’ll know why!

9. The hearing range of a cat is much wider than a human’s, they can hear high-pitched sounds up to two octaves higher than humans

It’s true, cats have an impressive ability to hear high-pitched sounds. While humans can typically hear sounds ranging from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, cats can hear sounds up to 64,000 Hz! This means that cats can hear frequencies that are too high for human ears to detect. This ability is useful for cats in the wild, as they can hear the high-pitched sounds of small prey, like mice and birds. In addition to their sensitive hearing, cats also have excellent night vision and a highly developed sense of smell.

10. Cats have five toes on their front paws, but only four on their back paws

It’s true, cats do have a unique paw structure! Each of their front paws has five toes, while their back paws only have four. This extra toe on the front paw is called a dewclaw, and it’s thought to be a remnant from their wild ancestors. In the wild, cats use their dewclaws for climbing and gripping, but in domesticated cats, they are usually removed to prevent them from getting injured. Cats also have retractable claws, which allow them to keep their claws sharp and healthy. And, their claws are made of a protein called keratin.

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FAQs

Q. What is a fun fact about a cat person?

A. Fun fact: Did you know that there is a scientific term for a person who loves cats? It’s called ailurophilia, which is derived from the Greek word for “cat” (ailuros) and the word for “lover” (philia). So, if you’re a cat lover, you can officially call yourself an ailurophile! And there’s nothing to be ashamed of, as studies have shown that people who love cats tend to be more introverted and sensitive than those who don’t.

Q. What are some goofy facts about cats?

A. Did you know that cats can sleep up to 20 hours a day? They’re also known for their weird sleeping positions – from the “Superman” pose (where they stretch out with their front legs straight out in front of them) to the “loaf” (where they curl up into a ball, with their paws tucked underneath them). And if you’ve ever noticed your cat twitching or moving their paws while they’re sleeping, that’s because they’re dreaming! Just like humans, cats experience REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is when most dreaming occurs.

Q. What is a fun fact about felines?

A. Did you know that cats can hear higher-pitched sounds than humans can? Felines can hear sounds as high as 64 kHz, which is four times the upper limit of the average human ear. This ability is thanks to the specialized inner ear structure of cats, which allows them to hear ultrasonic sounds. Ultrasonic sounds are made by many animals, including bats and rodents, so it’s thought that cats evolved this ability to help them hunt.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 40 surprising facts about our feline friends showcase the incredible and often mysterious nature of cats. From their impressive physical abilities to their complex social behaviors, there is no denying the fascinating nature of these beloved pets. Whether you are a cat lover or simply curious about these creatures, these facts shed light on the amazing world of felines and showcase why they have captured our hearts for centuries. So next time you interact with a cat, remember these surprising facts and appreciate their unique and intriguing characteristics.