Cats are often seen as just a pet, but they are much more. Here we explore 10 facts about cats that may surprise you, from their evolutionary history and how they compare to other mammals to how they use their whiskers and fur.

The vast majority of adult cats in the world have no tail
You may not know this, but the vast majority of adult cats in the world have no tail. This is because many cats are born with a genetic mutation that causes them to have no tail. In fact, only about 5% of cats have a tail.
There are several theories as to why this mutation occurs. One theory is that it is caused by inbreeding. Another theory is that it is a natural adaptation that helps cats to survive in the wild.
Whatever the reason, it is clear that tailless cats are the norm, not the exception. If you see a cat with a tail, it is probably a kitten or a rare breeds such as Manx or Siamese.
Cats have been domesticated by humans for centuries
1. Cats have been domesticated by humans for centuries. In fact, the first evidence of cats being kept as pets dates back to around 9,500 BC. Cats were originally domesticated in Egypt, where they were revered as gods.
2. Cats are descendants of the African wildcat, which is a small wild cat that still exists today. African wildcats are thought to have been first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent, which is an area including parts of modern-day Turkey, Syria, and Iraq.
3. Cats are carnivores and need to eat meat to survive. However, they are able to extract nutrients from plant material, so they can technically be considered omnivores.
4. Cats have unique digestive systems that allow them to digest meat more efficiently than other animals. Their intestines are shorter than those of other carnivores, and their stomachs contain special enzymes that break down protein.
5. Cats have sharp claws that they use for hunting and climbing. These claws are also retractable, which means they can be retracted into the cat's paw when not in use. This helps to protect the claws from being damaged when the cat is not using them.
Cats are the most popular pet in the United States
There are approximately 86 million cats in the United States, making them the most popular pet in the country. Cats are loved for their independent nature and their affectionate personalities.
Interestingly, cats are able to see six times better in low light than humans. This is because their eyes have more rods, which are sensitive to light. Cats also have a third eyelid, which helps to protect their eyes from debris and keep them lubricated.
Cats’ sense of smell is also much better than ours. They have around 200 million scent receptors, compared to our mere 5 million. This allows them to smell things that we cannot even begin to detect.
Overall, cats are fascinating creatures with many unique abilities. They make wonderful pets and are sure to bring joy to any household.
There are about 600 million domestic cats in the world
- A group of cats is called a clowder.
- Cats have been domesticated for over 4,000 years.
- The first recorded instance of a cat saving a human life was in 1885.
- Cats have inspired many artists and writers over the years.
- Cats are capable of making over 100 vocal sounds.
- Cats sleep for up to 16 hours a day.
- The average lifespan of a domestic cat is around 15 years.
- Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they require animal protein to survive.
A cat recognizes its owner by smell
- A cat recognizes its owner by smell. Cats have a very strong sense of smell, and they can use this to identify their owners. When you come home, your cat will likely sniff you to make sure it is you.
- Cats sleep for a lot of the day. In fact, cats spend around 16 hours of each day sleeping. That means they spend almost two-thirds of their lives asleep!
- Cats have sharp claws that they use for hunting and climbing. However, they also use their claws to defend themselves if they feel threatened.
- Cats are very independent animals. They are not as reliant on humans as dogs are, and they often do not need as much attention.
- Cats are known for being good at keeping rodents away. This is because they are natural predators of mice and rats.
A cat cannot see colors as vividly as a human does
- A cat cannot see colors as vividly as a human does. However, they can see in the dark much better than we can. Cats also have a third eyelid that helps them to clean their eyes and keep them healthy.
- Cats have sharp claws that help them to climb and catch prey. However, these same claws can be dangerous to humans. When a cat scratches someone, their claws can puncture the skin and cause infection.
- Cats are very independent creatures. They don't rely on humans for food or shelter, and they typically don't enjoy being held or cuddled. However, some cats do enjoy being around people and will purr when they're happy.
- Cats are known for being clean animals. They groom themselves regularly and often use their tongue to clean their fur. This helps to keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Cats are carnivores and need meat in their diet to survive. However, they also eat grass, which helps them to digest their food properly. Grass also provides important vitamins and minerals that cats need to stay healthy.
A group of cats is called a clowder, a male cat is called a tom and female is called a queen or molly,
There are some interesting facts about cats that you may not be aware of. For instance, did you know that a group of cats is called a clowder? This term is used to describe a group of domestic cats.
Another interesting fact about cats is that male cats are called toms and female cats are called queens or mollies. Toms are typically larger than queens or mollies and have more muscular bodies. Queens and mollies tend to be more slender and graceful.
Cats are also known for their sharp claws. These claws can help them climb trees and catch prey. However, they can also be dangerous if they scratch humans. That's why it's important to keep your cat's nails trimmed.
Overall, there are some intriguing facts about cats that you may not have been aware of. Now that you know these facts, you can better appreciate these furry creatures!
Conclusion
There you have it — some of the most intriguing facts about cats. Did any of these surprise you? We think they're all pretty fascinating, and we hope you enjoyed learning more about our feline friends. If you loved this article, be sure to share it with your cat-loving friends!