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Where are our “cat people”? This month is extra special for you! National Cat Lover’s Month is a time to celebrate our furry feline friends. Here are some fun facts about cats that you may not know.
1. 70% of a cat’s life is spent snoozing
That’s a lot of “zzzzzzz”! Why do cats sleep so much? Cats are hunters by nature which means they have an instinctual need to sleep so they can be ready at a moment’s notice for their next prowl and prey!
If you notice your cat sleeping more than they usually do, it could be a sign that they are sick. Be sure to consult us at VeterinaryCare at Belmont if you’re worried about an increase in sleeping habits.
2. Cats have a special organ called the Jacobson’s Organ that allows them to taste smells
For humans, when something smells good or bad, your brain tells you so. However, cats, have a special organ in their mouths called the Jacobson’s Organ (also known as the vomeronasal organ) that helps them sense and analyze different types of smells.
So, if you think your cat is being “finicky” when exploring new foods, they might just be doing their own deep analysis on it!
3. A cat’s whiskers help them navigate around objects, find prey, and measure distances
Of course, they are cute to look at, but cats’ whiskers are actually very important sensory tools. Not only do they help cats measure distances, but they also help them navigate around objects in the dark and detect prey.
Just like you use your eyes to see and ears to hear, a cat’s whiskers are a vital part of their sensory system. Cutting a cat’s whiskers would be a detriment to their ability to navigate and adapt to the world around them.
4. Some cats have six toes
Polydactyl cats, also known as Hemingway cats, are cats that have six toes on their front feet. These types of cats are called “Hemingway Cats” because Ernest Hemingway had quite a fascination with them after being gifted one from a sea captain. He grew up with several of them, and even now, approximately 60 of them call the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum their home!
5. Cats have natural hunting needs, and being creative with meals helps this instinct be nurtured.
Food puzzles and hunting feeders are a great way to keep your cat’s natural hunting needs satisfied! A food puzzle is a toy that challenges a cat to work for their meal by moving around a toy. Hunting feeders work in a similar way, but the food is placed in unique feeders and then hidden in different areas of your home so the cat has to search for it.
Both of these toys help keep your cat’s mind active and engaged, which is great for their overall well-being. Additionally, since their stomachs are small and they need to eat so frequently, putting food puzzles and hunting feeders out for them to satisfy their natural instincts helps them to slow down their feeding since the food is only released gradually.
6.Cats have unique veterinary needs.
Cats have a very specific set of veterinary needs, and it’s important to provide them with the care they need! Talk to us about how often you should bring your cat in for check-ups. Usually, yearly visits are the standard until cats become seniors, at which time they should come in two times a year. If your cat has any health needs, more frequent veterinary visits may be advised.
By scheduling routine visits, your veterinarian can identify changes in weight, administer vaccinations, assess dental health, perform a nose-to-tail exam, and discuss with you any changes you may be noticing. When we can prevent disease and catch illness at its earliest stages, there is an increased likelihood that your cat will live a longer, happier, and healthier life!
We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about cats! Be sure to visit us at VeterinaryCare at Belmont. We love getting to know new patients in the Smyrna area and offer extended evening hours for your convenience.
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