Cats are mysterious creatures. One day they might feel like your best friend, and the next they might pretend they have no clue who you are. Yet, you cannot help but love them for it.
As cats have perfect poker faces, it isn’t always easy to figure out what they are thinking or feeling. Unfortunately, this can make it harder to understand who they are and their needs. To gain a deeper insight into your feline friend, check out these five surprising facts about a cat’s health
Cats Will Sleep for Up to 70% of Their Lives
Are you worried your cat sleeps too much? Don’t be. It might not surprise you to learn that cats will sleep between 13 to 16 hours per day. To put this in perspective, that is an incredible 70% of their lives snoozing.
Some Cats are Allergic to Humans
Most people know at least one person who is allergic to a cat or dog, but did you know that they can be allergic to humans? It makes sense when you think about it, as they might have a negative reaction to a person’s soap, laundry detergent, or perfume.
Of course, cats can have other allergies you must treat as soon as possible, as they could be allergic to dust, fleas, mites, grass, or certain foods. If you suspect your cat has an allergy, visit easyvet.com for a diagnosis and the appropriate medications.
Cats Have More Bones Than Humans
It might shock you to learn that cats have more bones than humans. Humans have only 206 bones, but a cat’s bone structure features approximately 250 bones. That is a lot of bones for such a small animal, and it is the cause of their enviable nimbleness and flexibility. After all, a feline friend can jump five times its height and reach speeds of up to 31 mph.
Not All Cats Will Land on Their Feet
There is a widely held belief that cats always land on their feet when falling from a height. A feline friend’s righting reflex does exist, but not every cat has one. If you are unsure what the righting reflex is, it’s when a cat twists around mid-air due to their flexible backbones, which stops it from falling on its back.
Yet, cats can sustain serious or fatal injuries when falling from a height. For this reason, pet owners must keep their windows closed or attach a mesh to windows and balconies to prevent life-threatening falls.
Cats Purr for Many Emotions
There is a misconception that cats only purr when happy, such as when they receive a pleasant stroke or attention from their owner. Yet, happiness isn’t the only cause of purring, as they might make the noise when feeling poorly, experiencing pain, or frightened, as the purr can serve as a physical comfort. Also, it is common for cats to purr to their kittens to soothe or comfort them.