Cats are a source of endless fascination for many people, and there’s always something new to learn about these amazing animals. Here’s a look at 5 things you didn’t know about cats.
1. Cats have an extra organ that helps them detect smells better.
Cats have more than just their noses to help them identify and process smells. They also have a special organ called the vomeronasal or Jacobson’s organ. This organ helps cats detect pheromones, which are scents used to communicate with other cats.
2. Cats can make over 100 different vocalizations.
Cats may be known for their meows, but they can actually make over 100 different sounds to communicate with us. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), cats make sounds to express a variety of emotions, including excitement, sadness, and annoyance.
3. Cats can see in the dark better than humans.
Cats’ eyes are designed to help them see better in the dark. Their eyes have more rods, which are light-sensitive cells that help them see better in dim light. Cats also have a tapetum lucidum, which is a reflective layer of tissue that helps boost their night vision.
4. Cats can be left or right-pawed.
Just like humans, cats can be either left- or right-pawed. Studies have shown that cats learn to use their paws to perform certain tasks more often with one paw than the other. Cats can also be ambidextrous, meaning they are equally skilled with both of their paws.
5. Cats have a unique way of purring.
When cats purr, they actually vibrate their vocal cords at a rate of 25 to 150 vibrations per second. This low frequency vibration helps cats communicate with other cats and humans, as well as heal their bodies. Purring has even been found to help cats with broken bones heal faster.
These are just a few of the interesting facts about cats that many people don’t know. From their special organs to their unique purrs, cats are amazing creatures with many fascinating abilities.
