You’ve probably noticed that cats are quite sleepy. In fact, Fluffy happens to be one of the sleepiest creatures on the planet. Only a few animals, such as bats and possums, actually get more sleep than our beloved furry friends. In reality, these little furballs are full of quirks and peculiarities. You’ll read about interesting tidbits about kitties in this informative article by a Cedar City, UT veterinarian.
Career Changes
These days, many kitties are living the good life, lounging in warm, sunny spots, cuddling up on their owners’ laps, and just enjoying being pampered and loved. However, before she decided to settle down into the luxurious life of a housecat, Fluffy tried out a wide variety of jobs. She’s been a spy, smuggler, therapist, and even a politician. There’s even a kitty in Japan who actually runs a train station!
There was one thing that Fluffy didn’t quite excel at: mail delivery. In the 1870s, a Belgian city tried to teach cats how to deliver mail. The experiment went just as you would probably expect, which is why mailcats are not commonly used today.
Fluffy Hasn’t Changed Much
Recently, scholars have come across ancient manuscripts that shed light on our historical connection with Fluffy. Some of the ancient texts have telltale paw prints that were obviously made by cats.
Sure, You Can Quote Us On This
In Hungarian, the term ‘cat claws’ or macskaköröm also refers to quotation marks.
Kitties Aren’t Actually Big Fans Of Milk
We’ve all come across those classic pictures of cute little kittens happily enjoying their bowls of milk. Actually, most adult furballs struggle with digesting processed milk. Fluffy might even end up with an upset stomach if she drinks it!
This confusion can be traced back to a time when people often raised their own livestock. Raw milk has special enzymes that help cats digest lactose in dairy products more easily. Kittens also have this enzyme. Once they finish nursing, their bodies stop producing it, which causes lactose intolerance.
We’re Fans, No Matter What You Call Us
Do you love cats? If so, you’re an ailurophile. The term comes from the combination of the Greek word ailouros, which means ‘cat,’ and phile, which means ‘lover’.
Weathering The Storm
It’s quite fascinating how sometimes the weather can be so unpredictable. One moment it’s sunny and clear, and the next moment, it’s raining cats and dogs.
Ever wonder where that saying came from?
In 1651, this peculiar statement appeared in the Olor Iscanus collection of poems. Back then, having thatched roofs was pretty normal. Fluffy’s fondness for perching in high places sometimes backfired, causing her to accidentally fall through soaking roofs.
Where Are All The Brown Cats?
Have you ever noticed that you rarely come across brown cats? You may actually encounter them more often than you think. In fact, if you happen to have a black cat, try checking out her fur when she’s basking in the sunlight. Fluffy is actually a dark brown! If you take a closer look, you might notice some patterns on her coat.
A Fashion Faux Paws
Speaking of coats, when it comes to patterns, cats can wear several different ones. Some examples include tabby, parti-color, tortie, and calico. Fluffy’s skin color mirrors the patterns of her fur, even on her adorable paw pads, also known as ‘toe beans.’
Of course, some cats prefer to sport more unique colors. In 1995, a green cat was born in Denmark. The furball’s distinct coloring might be linked to the copper in the nearby pipes.
The Cutest Cat Burglar Ever
It’s interesting to consider the origins of the term “cat burglar” and how it may be related to cats’ stealthy nature. It may actually have been a bit more on the nose than that. Some kitties have a knack for grabbing items and bringing them to their owners. Actually, Fluffy has pilfered a diverse array of objects.
A few examples:
Although this is pretty funny, there is a serious side to kitty theft. Many of the things Fluffy may steal, such as hair ties and rubber bands, can be very dangerous to her if consumed. If your beloved pet has red paws, take extra precautions with petproofing. Feel free to ask your Cedar City, UT contact for some helpful tips on this.
Always Watching You
Fluffy is always keeping an eye on you. According to recent studies, Fluffy has a knack for creating a mental map of her surroundings to stay updated on your every move. Picture it like a cute little GPS app, where you get to be the animated icon.
Is Your Feline Friend Allergic To You?
Chances are, you’re familiar with someone who has a cat allergy. (Just a quick note: it’s actually the dander from your pet’s skin, rather than her fur, that can cause reactions.) Did you know that certain cats can actually have allergies to humans? A study conducted in 2005 found that about one in every 200 cats suffers from kitty asthma. Pollen, cat litter, and cigarette smoke can all exacerbate the issues. Luckily, this is rare. (We still advocate keeping cats indoors.)
Fluffy Spends A Lot Of Time Grooming Herself
Cats are known for being very tidy. Fluffy makes sure to groom herself daily to keep her fur clean and neat. Grooming is important for cats because it helps reduce the odors they emit. In the wild, it’s pretty important to be mindful of scents, since smells tend to attract predators.
Keeping up with grooming can also improve the insulating qualities of your cat’s fur, keeping her more comfortable in extreme weather.
Cats Purr For Various Reasons, Not Just When They’re Happy
Isn’t it absolutely adorable how cats vibrate with joy? Fluffy purrs for more than just expressing happiness, you know. Did you know that cats can purr for reasons other than just being content? They might purr when they’re not feeling well, feeling stressed, or even when they’re giving birth to kittens. It seems like this is a way for them to find comfort and possibly heal themselves.
A Purrfect Rumble
It’s reasonable to imagine that if we could talk with cats, we’d want to learn more about their purring. This unique rumble possesses some truly extraordinary qualities. Did you know that our feline friends purr within a specific range of frequencies? Typically, they purr between 25 and 150 Hertz. It’s interesting to note that these frequencies have been discovered to have a positive impact on bone density and can aid in the healing process. They have also been used in therapy.
Kitties And Catnip: A Match Made In Heaven!
It’s really adorable to see a kitty having a blast and enjoying her favorite plant. Did you know that cats have a fascinating relationship with this particular plant? Our feline pals actually have scent receptors in their noses that are perfectly attuned to the scent molecules emitted by catnip. However, not all kitties find catnip appealing. Did you know that approximately one-third of our beloved cats are actually immune to its effects?
Do you have any queries or worries about your cat’s well-being or maintenance? Contact us today at our Cedar City, UT pet hospital!
