Have you ever seen your cat fall asleep in a rather convoluted position? Cats are so flexible because of their unique bone structure? Fluffy has a smaller clavicle, proportionately, than many other mammals. She also has a lot of space between her vertebrae, as well as shoulder blades that are connected not by bone, but by muscle. As it turns out, our feline pals are quite full of interesting quirks! Read on as a local Frazier Park, CA vet goes over some fun facts about kitties.
A Purr-fect Vibration
We all know that kitties purr when they are happy. That cute rumbling sound is pretty special. While we will never know for sure, it seems likely that our feline friends chose the purr as it is a good way for mamas and babies to communicate. Kittens can’t meow and nurse at the same time, but purring is, as it turns out, a great way to send Mom and siblings an ‘all is well’ signal during meals. Even in adult cats, purrs send messages of feeling safe, comfortable, happy, and loved.
As it turns out, there may be even more than that to it. When kitties purr, they rumble at specific frequencies, usually between 25 and 140 Hertz. These exact same frequencies have been shown to help healing and promote cell renewal. They are even used in physical therapy!
Did You Order Biscuits?
Does your kitty knead your lap with her claws during cuddle time? This is often affectionately known as ‘making biscuits’. It’s actually one of Fluffy’s more painful ways of showing her adoration. This is also something your pet likely picked up as a kitten. This stimulates milk flow, so it becomes something baby cats associate with nursing and also with feeling comfy, loved, and safe. Plus, it’s a sign that your furry pal sees you as a second parent. (Your pet likely also thinks of you as a cook, maid, butler, and sofa, but that’s another topic.)
Baby Blue Eyes
Did you know that all kittens are born with blue eyes? It usually takes about a week or so for tiny furballs to open their eyes. In fact, it could take as much as a year for Fluffy’s permanent eye color to settle. However, that doesn’t mean little Fluffy can see well right away: it takes about a month for your pet to see well.
Another interesting thing about kitties’ vision? Fluffy has better depth perception and night vision than we do. However, she can’t see colors very well at all.
All In A Name
Did you ever wonder how we decided to name baby cats kittens? The word goes back to Middle English. The term ‘kitoun’ was derived from the French word ‘chitoun’ or ‘cheton’. The meaning, as you can probably guess, was ‘young cat. Other spellings include ketoun, and kyton.
Claws For Thought
Speaking of kittens, have you ever been scratched by a tiny furball? In case you were wondering why those tiny claws seemed so sharp, well, you weren’t imagining it. Kittens’ claws actually are much sharper than those of adult cats.
Another interesting thing about Fluffy’s claws? They are actually curved in a way that makes it easy for her to climb up things. This is crucial for her defense in the wild, as it helps her climb to shelter and safety. Climbing down is a bit harder, though: kitties have to learn that one. This is why Fluffy sometimes gets stuck on trees.
Cats Have Been Enthralling Us For Countless Generations
Fido gets the unofficial title of Man’s Best Friend. He’s earned it, too! We’ve been friends with our canine pals for as much as 30,000 years. However, Fluffy isn’t far behind. Research indicates that we first became friends with cats between 10 and 12,000 years ago. This is around the time that agriculture began, over in the Fertile Crescent. By the heyday of ancient Egypt, Fluffy had more than just endeared herself to us: she had actually convinced us to treat her as a deity! The ancient Egyptians not only held kitties in very high regard, they actually considered them to be sacred. In fact, they even had a cat goddess, Bastet, who was often depicted with kittens.
Aging Gracefully
Did you know that Fluffy’s breed will affect how quickly she ages? Maine Coons, for instance, don’t fully mature until they are about three or four. (That’s speaking of physical maturity: these guys are always kittens at heart.)
They’ve Left Pawprints All Over Folklore
Kitties appear in our folk tales and myths going back to the beginning of recorded history. Here’s one cute tail: the legend of the pussy willow. The story goes that a litter of kittens was swept into the waters of a rushing river. A nearby tree heard their frightened mews and bent a branch for the little furballs, allowing them to climb to safety. The kittens showed their gratitude as kittens do, with adorable purrs and cuddles. Ever since then, the trees have sported buds that were covered in soft grey down that looks like kitten fur, as an homage to those kittens.
They Have Trouble Regulating Their Body Temperature
Fluffy isn’t technically cold-blooded, though she seems to have somehow missed that memo. There is a reason for this, though. Cats can’t regulate their own temperature until they are about five weeks old. Before that, they depend on their mothers and siblings for warmth, which they mostly get through body heat. This is one reason that kittens are so susceptible to cold. As you may have noticed, most cats never entirely outgrow their love for seeking out warm, cozy spots. (Fluffy also has a hard time cooling off if she gets too warm, but that’s another topic.)
Clowder or Kindle?
We’re all familiar with some of the more common names for groups of animals: a flock of sheep, a herd of cows, a school of fish, and so on. But did you know there actually is a name for a group of kitties? That would be a clowder! If they are kittens, you may refer to them as a kindle. Other terms include clutter, pounce, or glaring.
Whiskers
These charming whiskers may look adorable, but they are also very handy. Those tough hairs are very deeply rooted, and are surrounded by nerve endings. They provide kitties with information about their surroundings, such as wind speed and direction, precipitation, and temperature. Plus, they help cats determine the size of openings, so they can gauge whether or not their bodies will fit into that small cubby hole. (This doesn’t always work very well for chubby cats, but that’s another topic.)
Longevity
The average kitty lifespan went up between 2002 and 2012. Fluffy gained a whole year! While more research is needed, better veterinary care and a better general understanding of good cat care practices are likely the reasons for this. (Sorry, Fluffy: you still only get one life.) Ask your Frazier Park, CA vet for care tips.
Tail Position
While there are no physical differences between stray, pet, and feral cats, they all hold their tails differently. Only pet cats walk with their tails pointed up. This may be a kitty version of signaling that she has successfully enchanted a human. Another cute fact? If Fluffy runs up to you with her tail up, she’s happy to see you.
Make An Appointment At Our Frazier Park, CA Animal Hospital
Do you need to bring your feline friend in? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your local Frazier Park, CA pet hospital, we are always happy to help!
