July 24, 2017 3 min read

It’s no secret that cats are… strange, to say the least. They can be the sweetest creatures one minute and the next they’re leaping off of your mantle onto your back or into the laundry basket. Some even bring you presents in the form of deceased rodents as a show of their love and appreciation. Imagine if your spouse did that! Cat lovers and owners aren’t taken aback by most of the strange things that make cats, cats. Aside from their tendency towards independence and their affinity for grooming, there are tons of interesting facts about cats that are unique and, of course, strange. Check them out!

  1. Are you talking to me? A cat's meow is a noise made only for humans.While felines will growl, hiss, and purr at each other, the meow is mainly reserved for talking to people. Your cat may meow to ask for food, to try to get your attention, or even just to chatter at you (hey, they want to talk about their day too!). Among the many fun facts about cats, this one indicates how truly special we are to our kitty companions.
  2. Cats give affection by blinking.When your cat slowly blinks at you, they’re giving you the equivalent of a cat kiss. While the act of bumping you with their forehead can also indicate affection, the slow blink is also a sign that your cat trusts and loves you.
  3. A cat's paw pad looks like a teddy bear.If you turn your cat's paw upside down, the pad resembles a teddy bear! This is by far the cutest of all the strange cat facts. However, be very careful of your cat's claws, as some cats aren't fond of having their feet touched.
  4. Purring for health.A cat's purr vibrates at a frequency that improves their health. While the purpose of a feline's purr is largely unknown, the vibrating frequency of a purr was measured. The purr is within the range of sounds that promotes bone density, muscle health, and healing. Due to this fact, they tend to have fewer bone issues than other companion animals.
  5. Cats lack a sweet tooth.While cats do have the ability to taste salty and sour foods, they are unable to register the taste of something sweet. Due partially to their carnivorous diet, this strange cat fact is why substances, like chocolate, are devoured by your dog even though it’s bad for them but largely ignored by your cat.
  6. Skip the veggies - cats really are carnivores.Did you know cats don't digest carbohydrates well? Out of all the interesting facts about cats, this is one of the most important. Unlike dogs, cats are obligate carnivores. This means that they have to eat meat almost exclusively. They’re not able to process all of the vegetable protein in many packaged dry foods, and these diets may cause your cat to be predisposed to certain diseases like diabetes. The best cat foods contain large amounts of digestible proteins, such as chicken, beef, or turkey.
  7. Cats are lactose intolerant.Despite the pervasive myth to the contrary, cats are lactose intolerant. Feeding milk to your cat may cause bouts of stomach upset and diarrhea, so keep your kitties away from dairy treats.
  8. Warning bites, cats bite when they become overstimulated.Many cat owners are familiar with the sensation of teeth sinking into their skin after they've been petting their cat for too long. This behavior occurs when a cat becomes overstimulated. The nervous system of a cat is built to detect minute changes in their environment, and repeated petting can feel uncomfortable and irritating. A few gentle strokes provide plenty of affection for your feline!
  9. Cats smell through the mouth.Felines have a secondary organ located near the roof of their mouths to assist in smelling odors. When a cat detects a pleasant or curious scent, they will open their mouths to get a sniff. This is why many people photograph their cats as they appear to be gaping, panting, or grimacing. Even wild cats do it!
  10. Whiskers aren’t just for a pretty face.Its obvious cats have whiskers on their faces surrounding those cute noses, but did you know they also have them on the chin and backs of their front legs? Whiskers can also change colors and act as a visual cue to the mood of your cat.

While many of these strange cat facts may make cats seem odd, they are also what makes your cat an interesting and super lovable pet. The differences in their behaviors are why we love them. If you know more fun facts about cats or want to learn more about our Kitty Kasas products, contact us today!