Let’s Get Purr-sonal: Interesting Facts About Cats

Your cat’s whiskers are finely tuned instruments

Whiskers aren’t only cute facial features—they’re highly sensitive touch receptors that help cats evaluate their environment. Unlike normal hair, each whisker has a rich nerve and blood supply at its root, which allows information to travel via the nervous system to the brain. Whiskers aid in spatial awareness by helping cats measure gaps and small spaces and to detect changes, such as air currents or nearby objects. Whiskers also act as balancing instruments, providing the brain with vital information about the cat’s body and limb position relative to the ground.

Feline facial features can be used to measure pain

The Feline Grimace Scale is a scientifically validated assessment tool for measuring feline pain. Using personal data about the cat’s ear and whisker position, eye shape, head position, and other facial features, veterinarians and veterinary team members can quickly and reliably measure pain, illness, and discomfort, similar to a 1 to 10 scale in humans. This ensures better care and comfort for hospitalized, sick, and injured cats.

Your cat’s grooming does more than meets the eye

Cats spend as much as 35% to 50% of their day grooming themselves, but this behavior does more than make them look tidy. In addition to keeping their coat clean, grooming helps regulate body temperature, strengthens social bonds, and is self-soothing, which reduces the cat’s stress and anxiety. Take note of your cat’s normal grooming habits, as over- or under-grooming can indicate illness, pain, or stress and should be addressed with your AAHA-accredited veterinarian.

Cats’ ears serve as tiny satellites

Cats have incredible hearing and can independently rotate their cone-shaped ears to amplify sounds and locate their source. Cats can detect frequencies as high as 64,000 Hertz, compared with humans, who can hear up to around 20,000 Hertz. This sharp sense of hearing helps cats recognize and locate the high-pitched sounds of small rodent prey animals and, of course, a can opener from several rooms away.

Knead-y cats are happy cats

A cat who is kneading with their paws is often referred to as “making biscuits.” This behavior begins early in life when kittens knead their mothers’ bellies to stimulate milk flow. Adult cats continue to knead whenever they are content or comfortable, often accompanied by purring or half-closed eyes. If your cat starts making biscuits while they are sitting in your lap, congratulations—your cat feels happy and safe in your care.

Many cats are chronically dehydrated

Cats are notorious for their low water intake, which can cause health issues, such as dehydration and urinary tract problems. Unlike dogs, who usually drink large amounts of water, cats evolved from desert-dwelling ancestors and have a low thirst drive. Keep your cat hydrated by providing fresh water daily and ensuring their diet includes wet food. Additionally, a pet water fountain can encourage greater thirst, because cats are attracted to moving water. If you’re concerned about your cat’s water intake, consult your AAHA-accredited veterinarian.

Cats can see in the dark

You can’t hide from your cat. Cats possess extraordinary night vision that allows them to see in conditions with very little light. Their eyes have a special cell layer called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light that passes through the retina back into their eyes. This adaptation boosts their ability to see in the dark, making them excellent hunters even at dusk or in near-total darkness. While their eyes can appear to glow in low light, this feature was crucial for their wild ancestors’ survival.

From their instinctive behaviors and sharp senses to their unique health needs, understanding cats at both a species and individual level is crucial to giving them the best possible life. Your journey to greater understanding begins with a commitment to their physical and emotional well-being. Consult your AAHA-accredited veterinarian for personalized feline health and wellness recommendations.