Six Fun Cat Facts

As one of the ultimate perks of this house sitting gig, I have the absolute pleasure of looking after a lot of cats.  I love them all, and have four of my own fur babies to take care of when I'm not out and about caring for others.  Without cats, my world would be a whole lot less interesting.  Here are six fun cat facts which only add to their general awesomeness.

1. First up, and as all cat owner's know, cats can rotate their ears 180 degrees, which allows them to pick up sounds from all directions (is that a can of tuna being opened, purr chance?). This is a unique characteristic of cats and helps them to locate the source of a sound quickly and effectively. The outer ear, or pinna, is connected to the head by a flexible muscle, which allows the cat to rotate the ear and focus on specific sounds. In our house, simply watching our cats' ears can be a source of entertainment for hours.
2. A cat can jump up to six times its own body length in a single leap. Humans can't. The muscles in their hind legs are larger in proportion to their body size compared to other animals, and they have a unique ankle joint that allows for greater flexibility and range of motion. This combination of strength and flexibility is a remarkable adaptation that has evolved over thousands of years. It is essential for their survival, both in the wild and in domestic environments, and it allows them to explore their surroundings, escape danger, and catch prey with ease.
3. Cats have a unique ability to drink liquids without getting their whiskers wet (unlike my Dad). When cats drink, they form a shape with their tongue that is similar to a scoop or a ladle. They then dip the tip of their tongue into the liquid, drawing it into their mouth. As they do this, they form a column of liquid that stays together and doesn't spread out, which helps to prevent their whiskers from getting wet. Additionally, cats also have a flexible jaw that allows them to adjust the position of their mouth as they drink. This helps to keep their whiskers at a safe distance from the liquid, reducing the chance of getting them wet. Dry, clean whiskers are essential for their health and well-being.
4. The average cat sleeps for 16 hours a day. Cats sleep for a variety of reasons, including to conserve energy, recover from physical exertion, and regulate their body temperature. Unlike humans, who typically sleep in one long stretch, cats sleep in multiple short bursts throughout the day and night. This pattern of sleep allows cats to remain alert and vigilant, even while resting. Additionally, sleep plays an important role in a cat's overall health and well-being, allowing them to stay healthy and energetic.
   
5. Cats have five toes on their front paws and four toes on their back paws. Unlike dogs, who have only four toes on their front paws, cats have a "thumb" on their front paws that is known as a dewclaw. This extra toe is not as well-developed as the other toes and is not used for walking, but it is still important for balance and hunting. Polydactyl cats, also known as "mitten cats," are cats that have more than the standard number of toes on their paws. These cats have anywhere from six to eight toes on each paw, with some having an extra toe or two on both their front and hind paws, which give the cats a wider stance and a stronger grip, which can make them better hunters or climbers. The polydactyl gene is a dominant gene, which means that if a cat has it, there is a good chance that its offspring will also be polydactyl. This gene has been present in cats for centuries, and polydactyl cats can be found all over the world. Some people believe that polydactyl cats are more intelligent or playful than other cats, although there is no scientific evidence to support this.
   
6. Cats have a third eyelid, also known as a nictitating membrane, that helps protect their eyes from dust and debris. When a cat is feeling relaxed or sleepy, the third eyelid is typically not visible. However, if a cat is feeling threatened or is experiencing eye discomfort, the third eyelid will quickly move across the eye to protect it. This rapid movement is controlled by a muscle located near the eye and can occur in a fraction of a second. The third eyelid is not just a protective mechanism, but it also serves to keep the eye moist and lubricated. The membrane contains a gland that produces a special type of tear that helps to protect and soothe the eye, and the membrane itself helps to distribute this tear evenly across the eye. In some cases, a cat's third eyelid may become visible even when the cat is not experiencing any stress or discomfort. This can be a sign of an underlying health problem, such as an eye infection or injury, and it is important to have the cat evaluated by a veterinarian if this occurs.