10 Amazing Facts About Cats

We love our feline friends. But even the most devoted cat parents might not know everything about them. Ready to impress your friends (and maybe even your cat)? Here are 10 surprising cat facts that will deepen your appreciation for these captivating creatures.

1. Cats Sweat Through Their Paws

On a hot day, you won’t see your cat breaking a sweat.  Unlike dogs, cats don’t pant. But look closely at their paw prints on a hard surface, and you might spot little damp spots. They sweat through their paw pads to help regulate their temperature!

2. They Have an Extra “Eyelid”

Cats have a third eyelid called the haw. It’s a thin, whitish membrane that sometimes peeks out when they’re sleepy or unwell. It helps protect their eyes and keep them moist. (Think of it as built-in eye care.)

3. Their Whiskers Detect Air Currents

Whiskers aren’t just cute. They’re sensitive sensory tools! They help cats detect subtle changes in airflow, which comes in handy when navigating in the dark or gauging if they can fit into a tight space.

4. A Cat’s Brain is 90% Similar to a Human’s

Your cat’s brain is more like yours than you might think. In fact, it’s about 90% structurally similar to a human brain. No wonder they’re so clever (and occasionally sassy)!

5. Purring Isn’t Just About Happiness

While a purring cat is often a happy cat, purring can also signal stress or even self-healing. Some experts believe that the frequency of a cat’s purr (between 25 and 150 Hz) can promote healing in bones and tissues.

6. Cats Can “Talk” With Their Tails

A swishing tail? A slow curl? A puffed-up plume? Your cat is speaking volumes with their tail. Check out our social post for some facts about cat body language! Pay attention and you’ll start to read their “tail language” like a pro.

7. Some Cats Are Left-Pawed

Just like humans can be right- or left-handed, cats show paw preference, too! Studies have found that female cats tend to favor their right paw, while males are often lefties.

8. They Can Rotate Their Ears 180 Degrees

Cats have an impressive 32 muscles in each ear, allowing them to rotate them a full 180 degrees to pinpoint sounds. This super-hearing comes from their wild ancestors who needed to detect the faintest rustle of prey.

9. A Group of Cats is Called a “Clowder”

It’s not every day you see a crowd of cats, but when you do, you can impress your friends by saying: “Look at that clowder!” Bonus fact: a group of kittens is called a “kindle.” 

10. Cats Can Make Over 100 Different Sounds

While dogs mostly bark and growl, cats have an incredibly varied vocal range. They’ve developed these sounds largely to communicate with us. They know we’re listening!

So there you have it! 10 fun cat facts to tuck away for your next dinner party (or your next chat with a fellow cat lover). Which one surprised you the most?