Our furry felines are incredible animals. They have inherited a lot of genetic material from their feline ancestors; 95% of their genome is tiger. While we love our pets, there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye. Just when you think you’ve figured out your feline friend, they go and surprise you. While many people might mistakenly think that felines aren’t typically loyal, for instance, they don’t realize that cats communicate affection in different ways than other pets.
So, to help you better understand your cat, here are 4 interesting facts you probably didn’t know about them.
1. Cats Don’t Have a Sweet Tooth and Refuse to Eat Unappetizing Meals
Most cats are picky eaters and refuse to eat meals that are bland or unappetizing. Cats are so stubborn that they would rather starve than eat a weak meal. That’s why it’s important to give your pet a healthy variety of vet-approved foods. Cats don’t have a sweet tooth too, their taste buds don’t have the receptors needed for sugar. Instead, they prefer protein with an increased digestibility for foods rich in protein.
2. They Spend Most of Their Time Sleeping and Cleaning Themselves
Cats spend between 12 and 16 hours sleeping and do most of their sleeping during the day. Your feline is active particularly at nightfall, mainly because of their physiology. With cats being natural predators, they still have the same primal instincts as their wild counterparts. Cats come from a long line of hunters, so they remain alert at night – even domesticated house cats. You may also notice that your furry playmate is into grooming. In fact, cats spend up to 5 hours a day cleaning themselves. However, owners should help the cats with grooming by combing their coats regularly as this is also a great bonding experience.
Understanding what’s best for your kittens and their needs may seem tricky, especially when they’re adamant about being independent. Luckily, the folks from https://isthatyourcat.com/ explain that there is plenty of information online to ensure you better understand your cat’s needs, lifestyle, health, and physiology. It’s important to seek advice to ensure you’re raising your pet in a safe environment and learn the best ways to give them a happy and healthy life.
3. They Purr for Various Reasons
Most people know that cats purr when they’re happy or receiving affection. However, that’s not the only purpose of a cat’s purr. Cats also purr to express other emotions such as hunger and may purr when in need of comfort to self-soothe or relieve stress. Purring is very good for your cat as it allows them to reduce their energy level and relax, keeping their bones and tissues in pleasant condition. Therefore, if you’re petting your kitty and purrs shortly follow, you’re reducing stress for your pet. As a result, this reduces the risk of heart disease or a stroke.
4. Cats Have Communication Cues
Cats communicate differently with each other, but they have developed “meows” to communicate with their owners. They also have adopted certain cues that you can learn to better understand what they’re telling you. You may already know that cats choose when they want to be affectionate. If you’ve noticed your cat gazing into your eyes and slowly blinking, this is your cat’s way of giving you a kiss. But what makes this even more interesting is that cats may blow you a kiss to get something from you. For instance, if you are eating food your cat wants, they will be extra affectionate for a treat.
Cats also ask their owners to play with them by curling their tails when approaching you. Look out for a tail with a question mark-like shape. In addition, when a cat rubs up against you, they are marking their territory, and if they allow you to place your head near to theirs, they are letting you know that they trust you. Last, if a cat yawns in your face after being reprimanded, it’s their way of giving you sass.
With cats’ development stages vastly differing from humans, it’s important to know what your cat goes through daily to provide the best love and care. Cats get irritated easily for various reasons too. Some of these are because of their hearing being 5 times more efficient than adult humans, and the fact that a 1-year-old cat is equivalent to a 15-year-old human. Meaning that they reach moody adolescence quicker than we do. Remember to respect your cat’s space and show affection when they need it. More importantly, don’t wake them up from their slumber abruptly.
5. Cat urine causes an unpleasant odor that indicates good health
Animal body odor is usually better in cats than in dogs. Your cat’s urine, however, may have a pungent smell. If your cat’s urine smells extremely strongly of ammonia, it might indicate its health status. Infections and urinary tract problems may be to blame. There are also other causes such as dehydration, unchanged litter, diet, or stress that can cause a cat’s urine to smell like ammonia. In case your cat suffers from spaying incontinence, then the urine odor will disrupt your life every day and night. Be sure to prepare some kitten diapers and to consult your veterinarian about your cats’ health to prevent odors.