We’re all cat-lovers, but we probably don’t know everything there is to know about them. That’s why we’ve rounded up a few fun facts about cats that are sure to make you feel all fuzzy inside!
For thousands of years, cats have been living outdoors. It’s only in recent history that domestic cats have come indoors and adapted to their new lifestyle.
It’s a social animal
Cats are a social animal, meaning they are capable of forming close relationships with other cats. This ability may be influenced by their sex, age, and if they were born with siblings.
They are also able to form bonds with humans, as well as other animals. A recent study showed that most cats are securely attached to their owners, as they view their people as a safe base in an unfamiliar environment.
In the same study, researchers tested how cats responded to a stressful situation when their owners left them alone for two minutes. They found that about two-thirds of the cats and kittens came to greet their owners when they returned, demonstrating a secure attachment to them.
This means that, unlike some other species, cats do not have to live in socially structured groups to survive. They are flexible enough to adapt to various situations, and can even survive in small colonies when food is scarce.
It’s a hunter
Your cat is a powerful hunter, relying on their lightning-fast reflexes and a sharp set of teeth to nab and kill their prey. They’re also excellent strategists, planning each step they take until they reach their target.
They keep their head level, so that they can see what’s in front of them, and don’t rely as much on their sense of smell as other predators.
Once they’ve spotted their prey, cats wait for it to get up to speed and then spring forward with a swift pounce. They’ll bat and flutter their tails to subdue their prey, then go in for a killing bite that severs the spinal cord.
Whether they’re hunting mice, rats, birds, or snakes, your pet cat is always at risk of getting injured. Rodents may scratch or bite, while lizards can cause even injuries with poisons and sharp spines.
It’s a companion
There is nothing quite like having a cat in your home – they are incredibly social and love to be close to humans, which makes them the ideal companions.
They are also a great option for people with mental health conditions as they can be an emotional support animal, and can help alleviate stress and depression. As well as being a very good companion, cats are also a lot easier to look after than dogs.
They do not need to be walked or groomed daily, and short-haired breeds have low grooming requirements. They can be kept indoors as long as they are given regular attention and toys.
It’s a family member
As a family pet, cats provide companionship, exercise, and entertainment. They can also reduce your stress level and improve your heart health, making them the perfect addition to any household.
Cats are low maintenance compared to dogs which need lots of care and attention, but they do require feeding, litter cleaning and regular exercise. So you need to think about what kind of pet you want and how much time you have for them.
Some cats will thrive in a very quiet household, while others will enjoy different interactions with lots of people. They can even fit into busy modern lifestyles better than dogs which might be more suitable for flats or small houses.