Surprising Cat Facts: 15 Things You Might Not Know About Your Cat

We run the NicheStuff store; some links in this post go to products we sell.

Cats share our homes, but they still keep a few secrets. Some of the most common “cat facts” online are half-true or simply wrong, so we’ve stuck to well-established ones here. Each fact comes with what it means for living with your own cat.

Senses

1. Cats see well in dim light, but not in total darkness

A reflective layer at the back of the eye, the tapetum lucidum, bounces light back through the retina. That’s why cats’ eyes shine in photos. It lets them see in much dimmer light than we can, but they still need some light. A night-light helps an older cat find the litter box.

2. They can’t taste sweetness

Cats lack a working version of the taste receptor that detects sugar. A cat who seems interested in ice cream is usually after the fat. Sweet human foods offer them nothing and some, such as anything with xylitol or chocolate, are dangerous.

3. Their hearing reaches higher than ours

Cats hear sounds at much higher pitches than humans can, which helps them track the squeaks of small prey. They can also turn each ear on its own to pinpoint a sound. Loud parties and fireworks can be overwhelming, so give your cat a quiet room.

4. They have a second “nose” in the roof of the mouth

The vomeronasal (Jacobson’s) organ picks up scent chemicals such as pheromones. When a cat sniffs something and then pauses with its mouth slightly open, it is using this organ. This is called the flehmen response, and it isn’t a sign of disgust.

5. Whiskers are measuring tools

Whiskers are deeply rooted and full of nerves. They sense air movement and help a cat judge whether it can fit through a gap. Never trim them. Many cats prefer wide, shallow food bowls that don’t press against their whiskers.

Body

6. Cats have a third eyelid

A thin membrane in the inner corner of each eye protects and moistens it. You usually can’t see it. If it stays visible across part of the eye, have your vet take a look, because it can be a sign that your cat is unwell.

7. Their tongues are covered in tiny hooks

Backward-facing spines called papillae act like a built-in comb when a cat grooms. They also mean that string, thread and tinsel are hard for a cat to spit out once they start swallowing them. Put wand toys and string away after play.

8. Cats drink with physics

Instead of scooping water, a cat touches the surface with the tip of its tongue and pulls up a little column of water, then closes its mouth before it falls. Many cats drink more from a fountain or a wide bowl kept away from the food dish.

9. The “righting reflex” doesn’t make falls safe

Cats can twist in mid-air to land on their feet, but falls from windows and balconies still cause serious injuries. Secure screens and keep balcony doors closed.

10. Most kittens are born with blue eyes

A kitten’s eye color usually changes over the first couple of months as pigment develops. The adult color is settled by a few months of age.

Behavior

11. Cats sleep a lot, and they’re busiest at dawn and dusk

Adult cats commonly sleep for well over half the day. They are naturally most active around dawn and dusk, which explains the early-morning wake-up calls. A play session and a meal before bed can help your cat sleep later.

12. Purring doesn’t always mean happiness

Cats purr when they are content, but also when they are stressed, in pain or unwell. Look at the whole cat: posture, appetite and behavior tell you more than the purr. Our guide to reading your cat’s body language goes into detail.

13. Adult cats meow mostly at people

Adult cats rarely meow at each other; they communicate with scent, body language and other sounds. Meowing is mostly a way of talking to us, and many cats develop their own “vocabulary” with their owners. A sudden change in how much your cat vocalizes is worth mentioning to your vet.

14. Kneading starts in kittenhood

Kittens knead their mother while nursing, and many adult cats keep doing it when they are relaxed. Scratching and kneading also leave scent from glands in the paws, which is one reason cats need a good scratching post.

History

15. Cats have lived alongside people for thousands of years

Wildcats probably began living near people in the Near East when farming started and stored grain attracted mice. A cat buried with a person on Cyprus about 9,500 years ago is one of the earliest signs of that bond. Ancient Egyptians later revered cats, but they weren’t the first to keep them. One more myth to drop: most adult cats don’t digest milk well, so a saucer of milk can cause an upset stomach.

Putting the facts to work

Knowing how cats are built makes it easier to give them what they need:

• Height and a view: cats like to watch from above, so a window perch is a favourite spot.
• Hunting play: daily stalk-and-pounce play suits a natural hunter, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Scratching: sturdy places to scratch keep claws in shape and protect the sofa.

Here are a few store picks that fit those instincts:

• The Cat Window Hammock Bed gives your cat a sunny lookout.
• The Rechargeable Touch-Activated Cat Toy responds when your cat bats it, which is good for solo play.
• The Cat Nail File Enrichment Box lets your cat file their own nails while they scratch and play.

Cat facts FAQ

Why does my cat bring me “presents”?

Hunting is instinct, and some cats bring prey home to a safe place. Keeping your cat indoors and offering plenty of hunting-style play reduces it.

Is it true cats are antisocial?

No. Many cats form strong bonds with their people and with other pets. They just show affection more quietly, with slow blinks, head bumps and choosing to sit near you. For daily basics, see our cat care checklist.