Feline Secrets
Cats are full of surprises, and many people may find themselves struggling to understand and appease their pets. From their sleeping patterns to their unexpected family connections, there’s more to these furry friends than meets the eye. With that in mind, let’s dive into five fun and unexpected facts about cats that will surely amaze any cat lover.
1. Blinking Tactics
Cats may appear standoffish, but you can befriend them, and all it takes is a slow blink. British scientists found that copying the slow blink of a cat is the equivalent of sharing a feline smile. The soft action forges a stronger bond between human and cat.
2. Little Tigers
Domestic house cats are actually very distant relatives of the tiger. In fact, scientists have found that house cats and tigers share about 95.6 percent of the same genetic markers. It makes sense then that cats and tigers have many of the same instincts, such as stalking prey and pouncing, as well as marking their territory.
3. Cat Naps
Cats are real connoisseurs of relaxation. They sleep about 70 percent of their lives. On average, they sleep 13 to 16 hours a day, which is why we call a short nap a "cat nap." Despite all this rest, they are most active at dawn and dusk.
4. Over 1000 Sounds
Cats are very vocal animals, with over 100 distinct sounds they can make. Meows, purrs, chirps, growls, and hisses are just some of the many noises they can produce. Each of these sounds has a different meaning, and they use them to communicate with their owners and other cats. They can use their voice to ask for food or attention or to play with another cat.
5. Objects of Worship
Egyptians worshipped cats because they were graceful, protective, and fertile. Harming a cat, even if it was an accident, was a crime in Egypt. The way Egyptians worshipped cats tells us just how important these critters were in the past.
