Cat research is a captivating field, rivaled only by the study of dogs in its appeal. We've compiled eight intriguing facts about our feline friends, shedding light on everything from their unique ways of showing affection to their sophisticated use of whiskers. Dive into these scientifically-backed insights about cats.
1. Make Friends with a Cat by Blinking Slowly
Want to build a rapport with a cat? Try narrowing your eyes and blinking slowly. Researchers from the universities of Portsmouth and Sussex discovered that this technique mimics a "cat smile" or "slow blink," which helps form a bond between humans and cats.
"It's exciting to have evidence that cats and humans can communicate this way," says one researcher. "Try narrowing your eyes in a relaxed smile, then close your eyes for a few seconds. You'll find that cats often respond in kind, initiating a sort of conversation."
The study revealed that cats were more likely to slow blink at their owners if their owners did so first, compared to no interaction at all. This simple act can significantly enhance your relationship with your feline companion.
2. One in Ten Pet Cats Have Separation Anxiety
More than one in ten pet cats display behavioral issues when temporarily separated from their owners. A study found that cats with separation-related problems tend to come from households without women or with multiple women and lack access to toys or other pets.
Analysis showed that 13.5% of cats exhibited at least one trait of separation anxiety, with destructive behavior being the most common. Other issues included excessive vocalization, inappropriate urination, aggressiveness, anxiety, and inappropriate defecation. Depression and apathy, characterized by a lack of energy and interest, were also observed in some cats. This indicates that the presence of toys, other pets, and stable household dynamics can mitigate these issues.
3. Your Cat Really Does Love You
While food may have initially brought humans and cats together, today, cats' affection for their owners goes beyond just cupboard love. Ancient cats were rodent hunters in grain stores, benefiting from the shelter humans provided. Over time, especially in Western cultures, cats were selected for their cuddliness as well as their hunting skills.
Domestic cats exhibit "kittenish" behaviors like grooming, play-fighting, and bringing home half-dead mice, which are about more than just food – they signify family bonds. Scientists have found that cats can display secure attachment to their human caregivers, similar to dogs. Additionally, stroking a cat releases brain hormones that promote feelings of love and security, indicating that our feline friends might just be vying for the title of humankind's best friend.
4. Cats Can Sense When a Thunderstorm Is Coming
Cats and other animals are more sensitive than humans to sounds, smells, and changes in atmospheric pressure. This heightened sensitivity allows them to detect storms before humans do. Cats' inner ears can sense the sudden drop in atmospheric pressure, and they may associate this with an impending storm. They might also hear the distant rumble of thunder or smell incoming rain and ozone gas, which has a sharp, metallic odor.
This ability to sense weather changes is a fascinating survival mechanism, allowing cats to seek shelter before a storm hits. So, if your cat starts acting strangely, it might be a good idea to prepare for bad weather.
5. Cats Like Boxes Because They're Cozy
Cats can sleep up to 18 hours a day and prefer safe hiding places for their naps. A small box, even out in the open, provides a warm and secure spot. Cats are comfortable in temperatures around 14°C warmer than humans prefer, so they often seek out cozy boxes to stay warm if there's no sunbeam to lie in.
Boxes also offer cats a sense of security and privacy, mimicking the confined spaces they might seek out in the wild to avoid predators and conserve body heat.
6. Pet Cats Have a Big Impact on Local Wildlife
Domestic cats kill more prey in a given area than similar-sized wild predators. A study from March 2020 revealed that pet cats have a significant effect on local wildlife populations, especially within a 100-meter radius of their homes. Although pet cats kill fewer prey per day than wild predators, their dense populations in certain areas amplify their impact. House cats killed an average of 14.2 to 38.9 prey per 100 acres per year, with most damage occurring in disturbed habitats like housing developments.
This finding underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership, including keeping cats indoors or supervised to protect local wildlife.
7. Cats Can't Be Vegan
Cats are obligate carnivores and require specific amino acids found only in meat, such as taurine. A vegan cat diet must be carefully tailored to their age and weight, as too little taurine can cause blindness and heart failure, while too much can lead to urinary tract infections. Synthetic taurine in vegan food is absorbed at different rates, making it difficult to ensure a balanced diet for cats.
Therefore, while the idea of a vegan diet for cats might appeal to some pet owners, it poses significant risks to feline health.
8. Cats' Whiskers Make Them Precision Hunters
A cat's whiskers, or vibrissae, are not just for show. These 24 or so mobile hairs, along with whiskers above their eyes, on their chin, and on the backs of their front paws, are rich in nerves that help cats navigate and hunt, especially in the dark. Facial whiskers help cats judge distances, while proprioceptors on the tips detect prey's direction and texture. Whiskers also monitor airflow, aiding in their graceful and precise movements.
This intricate sensory system makes cats exceptional hunters, allowing them to move with agility and precision even in low-light conditions.
These fascinating facts highlight the unique and complex nature of our feline friends, deepening our appreciation for these mysterious and lovable creatures. Understanding these behaviors and characteristics helps us nurture a stronger bond with our cats, ensuring they lead happy and healthy lives.