Fascinating Facts About Cats 

To their owners, cats will always be fascinating creatures. So, here are a few feline facts you may find interesting.

The cat

• Cats have been domesticated for around 4,000 years. While they were once valued for their hunting abilities, they are now valued for their companionship and fun-loving behaviour.
• While not well known, the collective nouns used for cats and kittens are:
  • A Clowder of cats
  • A Kindle of Kittens
  • Our domestic cats are known as little cats. They differ from large cats such as lions and tigers because they are naturally active at night and can purr.
  • Cats are now the most popular pet in the UK and in the US.

The feline body & behaviour

• Cats have 30 teeth (dogs have 42) and most of us know how sharp they are!
• Cats have a reflective layer in their eyes, known as the tapetum, which enables them to see at night. The same principal was used in the design of cat’s eye – the reflective safety device currently being used on our roads.
• Cats have 32 muscles in their ears (humans have only 12). This gives the ear mobility, enabling it to precisely locate prey such as mice or the opening of their cat food!
• More cats are left-pawed than right.
• Cats can retract their front claws. This keeps them sharp so they can be used for climbing and of course, as effective weapons!
• Cats rub against us and scratch as a form of communication. They have scent glands on their cheeks and paws, so rubbing against us or scratching on vertical surfaces transfers their scent.
• Around 75% of cats respond to catnip. This herb stimulates those cats that are genetically programmed to respond.
• Cats can travel at speeds of up to 30km per hour.
• The largest breed of cat in Australia is the Maine Coon. Males can regularly weigh up to 12kgs!

Feline- human relationship

• Cats make us healthy. People who own cats have a lower risk of cardio-vascular disease than non-cat owners. Elderly cat owners suffer less from depression and loneliness than non-cat owners.
• Cats can be trained. Teach your cat to share a “high five” with you by rewarding her with a special treat every time she lifts her paw.
• Cats need to interact with people from two weeks of age to enable them to be social towards humans. After 16 weeks of age it is very difficult to tame a cat.
• Psychological studies have shown that cat owners are more logical and practical than dog owners. They tend to be more introverted than dog owners. Cat owners, however, tell more stories about their cats than dog owners.
• The record number of cats kept by any one person was by an owner named Jack Wright, from Ontario, Canada who kept 689 cats!

About Dr Joanne Righetti

Dr Joanne Righetti is a Purina Australia Ambassador. She is an animal behaviourist, educating the public and professionals in all aspects of the human–animal relationship. Her background is in zoology, with a PhD in animal behaviour and a counselling diploma – qualifications which enable her to work with all sorts of animals – including the human variety!

Joanne likes to help pet owners understand their pet’s behaviour and solve any pet behaviour problems. She also consults to a variety of organisations including non-profit organisations, commercial companies and councils and is involved in a variety of media including regular spots on radio. Joanne is an honorary associate of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Sydney.

Find out more about Joanne at www.petproblemsolved.com.au