Written by: Rachel Holly
As all cat lovers know, cats are special creatures. They’re known for their intelligence, gracefulness, and independent spirit. But there are less well known facts about cats that make them truly unique. Check out these fun facts about felines.
1. Cats and tigers have 95% of their DNA in common.
In 2013 the sequencing of genomes of tigers, lions, and snow leopards revealed this fact. Though they share a common ancestor, their genetic branches diverged 10 million years ago.
2. No, they don’t always land on their feet.
Cats have flexible backbones allowing them to reposition their body mid-air when falling. They also spread their legs parachute-like which blunts the landing. Still, cats can get injured falling, especially as they get older and aren’t as flexible.
3. Cats can rotate their ears 180 degrees.
Not only that, they can move them independently of each other.
4. Cats are far-sighted.
They may not see great up close, but cats make up for this with their clear distance vision, superior night vision, and 200 degree peripheral vision.
5. Male cats are lefties.
Studies have show that cats are right-pawed or left-pawed with males tending to be lefties and females tending to be right-pawed.
6. A cat’s nose is like a fingerprint.
A cat’s nose is like our fingerprints, completely unique to them.
7. Cats don’t just lick themselves to clean.
Licking their coat isn’t just about being finicky about their appearance. It actually calms them, helps distribute the natural oils in their coat, increases blood flow, and keeps them cool since…….
8. Cats sweat through their paws.
They have few sweat glands and keep cool by sweating at the paw pads.
9. The cat brain is very similar to the human brain.
Cat and human brains have similar lobes and regions; both are made of grey and white matter.
10. Cats are fast.
An adult cat can reach a speed of 30 mph – usually when they hear a can opening in the kitchen.
11. Their hearts are fast too.
A cat’s heart rate is almost twice that of a human ranging from 140 to 220.
12. Most cats are lactose intolerant.
Though it’s a common image in cartoons and old movies ,cats should not be drinking milk from a saucer. It causes gastric upset.
13. They have a rare walk.
Cats have a “pacing gait” by which the feet on each side move in tandem. The only other animals that do this are the camel and giraffe.
