Cats are incredible creatures, but many of their extraordinary talents are often overlooked due to their independent nature. Unlike a dog, a cat doesn’t always respond when you call their name — but that doesn’t mean they didn’t hear you. Some cats are aloof, while others enjoy snuggling on their owner’s lap. Taking the time to build a trustworthy relationship with a pet cat is all that’s required. There are even cats that enjoy playing a lively game of fetch! (Read more about these 20 things to never do as a cat owner.)
To gather this list of things you didn’t know cats were capable of, 24/7 Tempo consulted several animal-centered sources. These include Pet MD, Daily Paws, and Viagen Pets.
Cats can jump up to six times their own length
Cats are natural jumpers, capable of leaping up to six or eight feet, which is about five or six times their body length. They often jump to explore their surroundings, reach new heights, or simply get from one place to another. This jumping behavior is a normal part of a cat’s curiosity and agility.
Cats can safely drink seawater
Although drinking seawater is completely unsafe for human beings, cats can lap it up without any issues. Seawater is far from refreshing for humans since it’s full of salt, which is highly dehydrating. Cats have kidneys that can filter salt from water, which means the fear of dehydration isn’t a factor for them.
Cats can move their ears separately
Since there are 32 muscles in each of their ears, cats can move their ears separately. As odd as it sounds, separated ear wiggles are completely normal for felines. They can rotate their ears by 180 degrees based on distinct noises they’re hearing. You might notice one ear turned in a different direction than the other, which is a completely normal way for cats to listen to their environment.
Cats can make more than 100 different sounds
Plenty of people assume that meows and purrs are the only sounds that cats make. But in reality, cats can produce more than 100 different noises. Many cats come across as quiet and aloof, but they’re capable of being “chatty” and communicative when they feel like it. Different sounds will come out based on their circumstances. Cats may growl when they feel threatened, hiss in distress, and muster up several other noises in between.
Cats can see in the dark better than humans
Cats certainly don’t have night vision, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of seeing in the dark better than humans. Since their pupils expand wider than humans, more light can enter their eyeballs, giving them night vision that is decent enough to get around without sunlight.
Female cats can produce 49,000 kittens within 10 years
One of the most important reasons to get pet cats spayed and neutered is that female cats can produce up to 49,000 kittens in just 10 years. This would lead to an overwhelming number of cats, many of which would end up homeless or euthanized if not for spaying and neutering programs.
Female cats can become pregnant as young as four months old
The importance of getting pet cats, spayed and neutered should be prioritized again when considering that female cats can be impregnated as young as four months old – which is alarming. A four-month-old kitten only weighs about 4.5 pounds! They certainly shouldn’t be placed in positions to carry pregnancies to term. Not only does this add to overwhelming numbers of cats, but it is dangerous to both the mother and her babies.
Cats can get elected as mayor
A cat named Stubbs was elected as the honorary mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska. Stubbs maintained his position from July 18, 1997, until he died in 2017. Although Stubbs didn’t have any real authoritative power, the residents of Talkeetna supported the scenario because they found it incredibly endearing. Talkeetna is a small town with only about 2,000 residents, but Stubbs’ position was enough to attract tourist attention.
Cats can be Disneyland “employees”
Are you curious to know how a massive theme park like Disneyland stays rodent-free? The answer: cats. Around 200 feral cats roam throughout the park daily making sure the theme park remains void of rats and mice. The cats who handle this job are given food and medical care when needed. It’s been reported that Disneyland cats are a better pest control team than human exterminators.
Cats can inherit millions of dollars
The wealthiest feline to ever live was a cat named Blackie. When Blackie’s millionaire owner died in 1988, he left 7,000,000 pounds behind for Blackie to inherit. That translates to approximately $9 million American dollars. Blackie’s owner, Ben Rea, was an antiques dealer with a family of his own. Instead of leaving his family members anything behind, however, Rea wanted Blackie to inherit everything.
Cats can outrun Olympian superstar Usain Bolt
Cats might not be known for their speed, but they can move surprising fast. While they won’t match the top speeds of big cats like leopards and cheetahs, house cats can run up to 30 miles per hour. In fact, a house cat could even outrun Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt in the 200-meter dash!
Cats can go to space
Back in 1963, a cat named Felicette took a trip to outer space. She was selected from a group of 14 female cats and launched into the sky on October 18 as part of a French space program. Felicette made it safely back down to earth, but scientists euthanized her a couple of months later so they could analyze what the trip did to her brain.
Cats can dream the same way humans do
Experiencing vivid dreams at night isn’t something solely reserved for human beings — cats can dream too! Cats use dreaming as a way to mentally process the events from their day. They often dream about their favorite activities, such as playing with their owners or anticipating their next meal.
Cats can live up to 38 years old
The oldest cat (on record) was a 38-year-old feline named Creme Puff. Born in 1967 and passing away in 2005, she was featured in the 2010 Guinness World Records. Her owner, Jake Perry, said Creme Puff consumed a diet full of broccoli, eggs, and bacon. Occasionally, he also served her coffee, cream, and eyedroppers of red wine.
Cats can detect early signs of pregnancy
Cats have keen senses that can sometimes detect early signs of pregnancy in humans. Their behaviors may change around pregnant women as they pick up on subtle bodily changes. This sensitivity to human health could be attributed to their strong senses of smell and hearing.
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