Cats tend to project an aura of mystery … There’s a reason for that.
Most cats enjoy secret lives that their human families know very little about. We’ve uncovered a few fascinating feline secrets you may not be aware of.
1. The part of a cat’s brain that processes information has 300 million neurons, while a dog’s has 160 million. Cats may not be as sociable as dogs but they can solve more difficult problems – when they feel like it. They also have better long-term memory.
2. Have you heard that cats always land on their feet? Well, it’s mostly true. Cats reflexively correct the course of their bodies so their feet land first. There have been cats that have survived falls from over 30 stories up.
3. Most people find the sound of a purring cat incredibly soothing. What you may not know is that purring may have the power to heal – both the cat and others. Cats purr at a frequency that has been shown to encourage bone growth and the healing of fractures.
4. Cats do not have the ability to taste sweet things. As true carnivores, research has revealed that domestic cats have a genetic mutation which means that their taste receptors cannot bind to sweet molecules. No other mammal so far has shown this mutation.
5. Is your kitty telling you secrets? Adult cats usually only meow when they are communicating with humans (they typically spit, purr and hiss at other cats). They also have a much broader range of vocal sounds than dogs.
6. Just as with human fingerprints, a cat’s nose pad is ridged with a unique pattern which allows them to be accurately identified. Felines have around 19 million nerve endings in their noses while humans have about five million.
7. A healthy adult cat can jump up to six times its height. It can do this because it has a very flexible spine and powerful leg and back muscles which release large amounts of energy in short bursts. In addition, a house cat can run faster than Usain Bolt!
8. Biologically, cats’ brains are more similar to our own brains than they are to dogs. The region in the brain that is responsible for emotions is identical in humans and cats. Maybe that’s why we love them so much …
9. Ever wondered how your cat manages to squeeze through such narrow spaces? Cats don’t have collarbones which means they can fit through any opening that isn’t smaller than their heads.
10. Cats really do spend most of their time grooming and sleeping – mostly sleeping! Your cat will spend up to two-thirds of its life asleep. With such limited waking hours, humans really do need to make the most of playtime …
• Details: Despite their secret lives, it’s no secret that you really need to take care of your cat’s health. Visit www.dotsure.co.za for more information.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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