Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Cats

May 21, 2020

We’re all aware that our feline counterparts are highly intelligent, and highly strange beings. Cats have shown us that they’re smarter than dogs, and they’ve got their own agenda. Somehow, they’re still full of mystery.

Here are some things you didn’t know about your cat!

Chirping As A Hunting Technique

Felines are able to vocalize over 100 sounds, several of those sounds appear in the form of a chirp. While it is not entirely clear why our cats imitate the noises of rodents and birds, the current belief is that chirping is both a way to initiate play, but more often than not it is an expression of frustration.

When our cat’s prey drive is activated and they’re unable to act on their desire to hunt, they become visually fixated on the animal that they see and imitate the sound that they hear. 

Once in a blue moon, a lucky owner may get a kitty who likes to chirp as a means of saying hello!

Cats Sweat Through Their Paws

There is a common myth that dogs sweat through their paws, but this theory actually rings true for cats! In addition to regulating their body temperature through panting, moisture is secreted through the glands in their feet. When feeling anxious or distressed, your kitty may leave small, wet footprints across the floor that quickly evaporate.

Owners notice this most often during vet visits. Once their cat realizes they’re on their way to an appointment, perspiration rapidly appears on examination tables and inside of plastic kennels. However, it’s completely natural and nothing to be concerned about! 

On the other hand, a feline that hasn’t had exercise and hasn’t been in the heat but continues to pant, may not be feeling well.

Each Little Snoot is Unique

The design of a cat’s nose is just like the fingerprint on a human, each has its own distinctive imprint. Have you ever noticed that dogs tend to greet nose-to-butt? Cats are more likely to sniff each other’s noses upon meeting, and this is how they learn to explore their surroundings as kittens.

Felines secrete hormones from the pores within their nasal cavity, forehead, and cheeks. If your sweet ball of fur has lovingly pressed or bumped their face against yours, they may be trying to share that special scent with you! 

Another purpose for snoot bumping has to do with claiming territory. Your kitty may be communicating to other felines in the area by saying “Hey! This is MY human!” through the chemicals in their pheromones. 

In fact, your cat may do this with everything in your home. So, if you’re the proud owner of a lioness, you’ll definitely want to get her spayed! This way, she won’t have a heat cycle or attract any unwanted suitors to your doorstep. 
Male cats can pick up the scent of a female over a mile away. If you don’t plan on having her spayed, keep your kitty and her pheromones indoors…unless you’re hoping to raise a little pride of your own!

✓ The information on this website is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.