You Won't Believe These Facts About Cats

Your friendly furry feline is a beloved creature. There is evidence to suggest that cats have been befriended by humans for over 5300 years.

If you are cat-lover, here are some interesting facts about cats you may not know that will also give you some useful tips on how to take care of them.

Cats Sweat Through Their Paws

It's really not a good idea to declaw a cat.

Although it eliminates the possibility of your furry friend scratching furniture and fabrics, cats have sweat glands in their paws that they use to mark their territory.

They also sweat through their hair.

A cat's claws are also used to grab onto surfaces below them so that they can stretch.

Stretching is very important to a cat.

It lubricates their joints and benefits their circulatory system, so that when they want to pounce into action, they have the energy they need to do it.

If you are concerned about your cat's scratching, don't declaw him. Just buy a scratching post.

Cat's Hiss Out Of Fear, Not Anger

Many cat owners know that introducing a new animal or person into a household can make some cats become very disagreeable.

The cat will respond by hissing whenever the person or animal invades their space.

The cat doesn't really need a psychiatrist or a course in developing social skills.

He is just a little afraid of the new animal or person, and needs time to get accustomed to their presence.

Hissing is a defense mechanism for cats. A good way to help your cat get used to a new visitor is to let them smell something the visitor has touched.

Over time, they will get used to the new smell and realize the visitor is no danger to them.

Cats Sleep A Lot, But They Aren't Lazy

Cats sleep on average about 16 hours a day. They love to sleep outdoors, under a bed, or just about anywhere. They sleep more than virtually any other mammal on earth.

It's not that they're lazy. Cats have a physiological need to sleep that long. When they are hunting or even just playing, they expend a lot of energy that needs to be restored. Sleep is the way they do it.

Cats Use Their Whiskers As A Second Pair Of Eyes

Cats can see in the dark, but they don't only see with their eyes.

They have whiskers on their cheeks, their eyebrows, their chins, and even their legs.

There's a purpose for all of those whiskers. Cats use them as feelers to gauge the size of a hole they'd like to crawl through.

Crawling through a hole is easier for them than for us, because their collarbone isn't attached to other bones.

Cats can also feel air movement through their whiskers.

If something rushes past them, they can feel it in their whiskers, even if their eyes are closed.

They can hear sounds at high frequencies, too, such as the high-pitched squeaks of a mouse.

That's why cats are such good mouse catchers.

Enjoy your cat. He's a natural wonder and a furry ball of fun.

Are you thinking about getting a beautiful portrait of your pet?

An artist by profession, Miri's paintings make a lasting keepsake of your furry or feathered friend.

For more info, please visit Custom Pet Portraits by Miri at

www.petportraitsbymiri.com