Cats are one of the most popular pets in the world.
They are known for their independent nature, their playfulness, and their affectionate behaviour.
Here are ten fun facts about cats:
1. Cats have been domesticated for over 5,000 years.
2. Cats have 32 muscles in each ear, which helps them to agilely and accurately locate the source of sounds. Cats can hear sounds at frequencies as high as 64 kHz — more than twice the range of human hearing!
3. A cat’s brain is very similar to a human’s brain, and they can learn to recognise and respond to their own names.
4. Cats have excellent night vision and can see six times better than humans in low light conditions. All cats are born with blue eyes which usually change colour within 2-3 weeks after birth depending on their final eye coloration (most turn green, yellow, or orange). A cat’s field of vision is nearly 200 degrees, compared to humans who have just over 120 degrees.
5. Cats sleep for an average of 16 hours each day.
6. When cats purr, it can be a sign of contentment, but it can also be a way of self-healing (as the vibrations can help strengthen bones and muscles).
7. A cat’s whiskers are not just for show – they are highly sensitive and help the cat to gauge distances and navigate in the dark.
8. A cat’s paw pads are extremely sensitive, and they can feel the difference between a soft surface and a hard one.
9. Cats have a third eyelid, called a haw, which serves to protect their eyes and keep them lubricated.
10. Male cats are usually left-pawed, while female cats are usually right-pawed.
