Cats are fascinating creatures that have captured the hearts of humans for thousands of years. While most people know some basic information about cats, there are many interesting facts that are not commonly known. In this blog post, we'll explore 10 fascinating and surprising facts about cats that you probably didn't know.
- Cats Are One of the Most Popular Pets in the World
Cats are one of the most popular pets globally, according to the latest research and data, There are 600 million to 1 billion cats living in the world today. This popularity is due to the many benefits of having a cat, such as their affectionate nature and low-maintenance care requirements.
- A Cat's Heart Beats Twice as Fast as a Human's
A cat's heart beats at a rate of 140-220 beats per minute, which is almost twice as fast as a human's. This high heart rate is due to the cat's small size and high metabolism, which requires a lot of oxygen to function correctly.
- Cats Sleep for 70% of Their Lives
Cats are known for their love of sleeping, and it's not uncommon for them to spend up to 15 hours a day snoozing. This amount of sleep adds up, and cats spend around 70% of their lives sleeping.
- More Than Half of Cat Owners Have Multiple Cats
According to a survey by the Animal Medicines Australia, 59% of Australian cat owners have more than one cat in their household. This finding shows that cats are social animals and enjoy the company of other feline friends.
- Cats Have More Bones Than Humans or Dogs
Cats have 230 bones in their bodies, which is more than humans (206) and dogs (319). This high bone count is due to the many small bones that make up a cat's tail and spine, which give them their impressive agility and flexibility.
- The World's Largest Cat Was a Maine Coon
The world's largest cat on record was a Maine Coon named Stewie, who measured 48.5 inches from nose to tail. This breed is known for its large size and affectionate nature, making them a popular choice for many cat owners.
- Ancient Egyptians Worshipped Cats as Gods
In ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred animals and were worshipped as gods. They were so highly regarded that killing a cat was punishable by death, and when a cat died, the family would go into mourning.
- Cats Have a Strong Sense of Smell
Cats have a strong sense of smell and can detect odors up to 14 times better than humans. This ability is due to the presence of specialized scent receptors in their noses, which allow them to detect even the faintest of smells.
- Australians Spend Millions on Cat Food
According to a survey by the Australian Veterinary Association, Australians spent over $2.6 billion on pet food in 2019, with a significant portion of that going towards cat food. This statistic shows that cats are a significant part of many Australian households, and owners are willing to invest in their pets' nutrition.
- Cats Have a Special Sensory Organ
Cats have a special sensory organ called the Jacobson's organ, which allows them to detect pheromones and other chemicals in their environment. This organ is located in the roof of their mouth, and when they "grimace" or open their mouth in a strange way, they are using this organ to detect scents.
Cats are fascinating creatures that have captured our hearts and imaginations for centuries. By learning more about their unique characteristics and behaviors, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation of these amazing animals. Whether you're a long-time cat owner or just learning about cats for the first time, these ten interesting facts are just the beginning of what makes cats so fascinating. So the next time you're cuddling up with your feline friend, remember these fun facts and appreciate all the wonderful qualities that make cats such beloved pets.