Cats have been domesticated for thousands of years and have become one of the most beloved pets in the world. They are known for their independent and aloof personalities, but there’s more to cats than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll be sharing some strange facts about cats that you probably didn’t know.
1. Cats Can’t Taste Sweetness:
Unlike humans and many other animals, cats don’t have the taste receptors to detect sweetness. This is why you’ll never see a cat eating a piece of cake or candy.
2. Cats Have More Than Five Toes:
Most cats have five toes on their front paws and four toes on their back paws, but some cats have more. Polydactyl cats, also known as “mitten cats,” can have up to seven toes on each paw.
3. Cats Can’t See in Complete Darkness:
Contrary to popular belief, cats can’t see in complete darkness. They do have excellent night vision, but they still need some level of light to see.
4. Cats Spend Up to Half of Their Waking Hours Grooming:
Cats are known for their cleanliness, and they spend a lot of time grooming themselves. In fact, cats can spend up to half of their waking hours grooming.
5. Cats Have a Unique Way of Drinking:
When cats drink, they use their tongue to create a column of water and then quickly retract their tongue, creating a “water trap” that they then swallow. This method allows cats to drink more efficiently and with less spillage.
6. Cats Can’t Taste Bitterness:
Just like with sweetness, cats don’t have taste receptors to detect bitterness. This is why they often won’t eat certain foods that have a bitter taste, such as citrus fruits.
7. Cats Have a Third Eyelid:
Cats have a third eyelid, also known as a nictitating membrane, that helps to protect and lubricate their eyes. You may see this membrane when your cat blinks or is sleeping.
8. Cats Can’t Produce Vitamin A:
Unlike dogs and humans, cats can’t produce vitamin A from plant sources. This is why they need to get their vitamin A from animal sources, such as liver.
9. Cats Have a Unique Way of Walking:
Cats are known for their graceful and fluid movements, and this is because of their unique way of walking. Unlike dogs, cats move both of their front legs and then both of their back legs at the same time, giving them a more fluid gait.
10. Cats Can Purr When They’re Stressed:
While we often associate purring with contentment, cats can also purr when they’re stressed or in pain. This is thought to be a way for cats to calm themselves down in stressful situations.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, cats are fascinating creatures with many unique and strange facts about them. From their inability to taste sweetness to their third eyelid, cats continue to surprise us with their quirks and behaviors. If you’re a cat lover, take some time to appreciate these amazing animals and all of their strange and wonderful characteristics.
Sources:
1. “10 Weird Cat Facts You Need to Know” by PetMD (source)
2. “Polydactyl Cats: The Cats with Extra Toes” by The Spruce Pets (source)
3. “Can Cats See in the Dark?” by Science Focus (source)
4. “Why Do Cats Groom So Much?” by PetMD (source)
5. “How Do Cats Drink Water?” by Live Science (source)
6. “Taste Perception in Cats” by VCA Hospitals (source)
7. “The Nictitating Membrane in Cats” by PetMD (source)
8. “Vitamin A in Cats” by WebMD (source)
