There are cat people, dog people, and people who just love animals, but there’s no denying that there’s something special about kitties. They’re smart, funny, independent, and maybe just a little bit murderous.
If you fall in the “love cats” camp, you’re going to eat these facts up like your cat attacks catnip!
#20. You can buy music for your cats.
Image Credit: Music for Cats
David Teie partnered with animal scientists to write Music for Cats, songs that are “based on feline vocal communication and environmental sounds that pique the interest of cats.”
#19. There’s a World Record for Wealthiest Cat.
Image Credit: Pixabay
In 1988, British antique dealer Ben Rea left his substantial estate ($13 million) to his cat, Blackie. The money was split among three cat charities, who looked after Blackie until her death.
#18. America’s most popular cat breed in 2018 was the Exotic – a flat-faced cat that’s kind of short-haired Persian.
Image Credit: Pixabay
Runner up was a Ragdoll, followed by a British Shorthair.
#17. The ancient Egyptians revered cats.
They worshipped a half-feline goddess named Bastet and people who harmed or killed cats faced harsh legal sentences, including death.
#16. Cats have more bones in their body than humans do.
People only have 206 while cats sport 244.
#15. Cats spend up to 50% of their day grooming themselves.
Image Credit: Pixabay
It helps tone down their scent, cools them, promotes blood flow, and distributes oils around their coat.
#14. A lot of really famous people loved cats.
Image Credit: Pixabay
From Florence Nightingale and Mark Twain to Pope Paul II and Charlotte Bronte, you’re in good company.
#13. The world’s oldest living cat is 30 years old.
His name is Rubble and yes, those are in human years.
#12. A cat has been into space – and back.
Image Credit: Wikipedia
On October 18, 1963 a cat named Félicette was launched into space by French scientists. She returned safely following a parachute descent.
#11. Sphinx cats don’t have fur, but they’re not cold.
Image Credit: Pixabay
Their body temperature is still four degrees warmer than a typical feline.
#10. Cats don’t only purr when they’re happy.
They also purr when they’re sick, stressed, hurt, or in labor.
#9. A litter of kittens is also known as a kindle.
#8. The “world’s largest cat painting” sold for over $800,000.
Image Credit: Wikipedia
The title is My Wife’s Lovers and depicts wealthy philanthropist and hoarder-of-cats Kate Birdsall Johnson. She owned dozens of cats, called her “lovers” by her husband.
#7. 1 in 200 cats is believed to have asthma.
The number continues to rise as indoor cats are exposed to cigarette smoke, dust, and human dandruff.
#6. Sex isn’t great for the females.
Image Credit: Pixabay
Male cats have barbed penises, meant to stimulate the vulva and force the female to ovulate. It also keeps her from escaping during the act.
#5. Only about 50% of the world’s cats are sensitive to catnip.
Image Credit: Pixabay
Scientists aren’t sure why some cats go crazy for it and others don’t, but it does seem to have a hereditary component.
#4. The heaviest cat ever recorded weighed nearly 50lbs.
In 2003, a Siamese cat named Katy was given hormones to stop her mating, and they increased her appetite dramatically.
#3. They do usually land on their feet.
Cats have a fantastic sense of balance and are able to flip in midair to put their feet down and avoid landing on their backs.
#2. They can run pretty fast.
Around 30mph on average.
#1. More educated people typically own cats.
Image Credit: Pixabay
People with university degrees are 1.36 times more likely to own a cat.
I can’t wait until the next cat randomly wanders into my life!
