Mind-Blowing Cat Facts

In this blog we will be celebrating all things feline, and what better way to do that, than by sharing some mind-blowing facts that highlight just how extraordinary your feline friend is.

Your cat is 95.6% tiger!‍

Did you know that your cat shares 95.6% of their DNA with tigers? You can see this strong link through some of the shared behaviours that still exist e.g. scent marking, prey-stalking, and pouncing. You have your own mini jungle cat running around your home!

Putting their best foot forward.

Did you know that cats can either be right or left pawed? Just as humans have a preferred dominant hand; cats have a dominant front paw. Studies have shown that 39% are right-pawed, 36% are left-pawed, with the remainder being ambidextrous. You might also be interested to know that male cats markedly favour their left paw, whilst females favour their right paw. Fascinating!

‍What do cats and giraffes have in common?

Initially you might think these two animals have nothing in common, but if you watch both of them walk, you will notice that they both share a unique walking style. They take strides using what is known as a ‘pacing gait’. This is when they move their legs on the same side at the same time i.e.  both right legs together, then both left legs together.  This is considered an energy-efficient and low-impact way of moving. Pretty cool!

‍Say what?!

I’m sure you are already aware that cats have excellent hearing, but did you know that they can rotate their ears 180 degrees? Cats have no less that 32 muscles dedicated solely to swivelling their ears.  Each ear moves independently of the other, enabling them to pick up sounds all around them. Good luck trying to sneak up on your feline friend!

‍Look who’s talking!

Cats are known for their stoic demeanour, and at times can appear aloof. The truth though, is that cats are actually amazing communicators. It is thought that cats have over 100 different vocalisations, using subtle adjustments in their tone, frequency and duration to convey different messages. Dogs, in comparison, have only approximately 10 distinct vocalisations. Another lesser known fact, is that cats have two sets of vocal cords (large and small) enabling the cat to make sounds ranging from a deep purr, to a high-pitched meow.

Fun Fact: Did you know that adult cats only meow when communicating with humans? Kittens will meow at their mother for food, but once they reach adulthood, this sound is rarely used when cats are communicating with each other.  Your cat saves these sounds just for you!

‍Cat’s Can’t be Vegan

Cats in the wild are completely carnivorous. Certain amino acids, such as taurine are essential in their diet, mainly because cats are unable to synthesis or store taurine in the body. Meat and fish are the main sources of taurine, and are therefore considered essential in their diet.
Diets that are deficient in taurine can lead to blindness and heart-failure, whereas, if too much taurine is absorbed, it can lead to urinary tract infections. Although taurine supplements are available to be artificially added to a cat’s diet, the absorption rates vary significantly, therefore it is extremely difficult to provide a well-balanced vegan diet.

I’m sure you already stare at your feline friend with awe, but now you may just be even more awe-struck at how uniquely amazing cats are.

‍

Claire Forsyth
Specialist Animal Kinesiologist B.Sc, Dip Kin

Follow Claire on Facebook and Instagram for more tips on pet health and wellbeing.

About the author
‍Claire Forsyth is a Specialist Animal Kinesiologist and Canine Behaviourist from Perth. Claire has worked with dogs for the last 25 years and specialises in resolving behaviour problems using Kinesiology techniques to remove physiological, neurological and emotional stress.

Please note: Claire's blog is general advice only. For further information on this topic please consult your veterinarian.

‍