Feline Groovy!
Oh, we do love our cats, don't we?
Cats offer a unique blend of independence, affection, and personality. They're low-maintenance compared to many other pets, too. They don’t need daily walks, and they can groom themselves.
But despite the independence, they form deep, affectionate bonds with their owners .. and the feline-- ahem ... I mean, the feeling is mutual!
Cats' playful antics, quirky behavior, and soothing purrs can be comforting and entertaining, making them excellent companions. They're quiet and clean, fitting well into apartment living and busy lifestyles. For many, the calm presence of a cat lounging nearby or curling up in their lap brings a sense of peace and emotional connection that feels both effortless and deeply rewarding.
To celebrate our feline friends, here are 10 fun facts you might not know about cats. Enjoy!
1. Their purring has healing properties
Housecats purr at a frequency between 25 and 150 Hz, which has been shown to promote bone healing and reduce inflammation. This may be one reason they recover from injuries more quickly than other animals.
2. They "meow" primarily for humans
Adult cats rarely meow at each other—this vocalization is mostly reserved for communicating with humans. Over time, cats learn to modify their meows to influence or manipulate their owners.
3. Each cat’s nose print is unique
Just like human fingerprints, no two cats have the same nose print. The patterns of bumps and ridges are distinctive and could theoretically be used for identification.
4. They can “chirp” at prey
When watching birds or squirrels through a window, cats often make a chattering or chirping sound. This may be a mix of excitement and frustration—or an attempt to mimic birds as a hunting tactic.
5. They walk like camels and giraffes
Cats move both legs on one side of the body and then the other, giving them a unique gait shared only by camels and giraffes. This helps them move smoothly and silently.
6. Whiskers detect air currents
A cat’s whiskers are highly sensitive touch receptors (called vibrissae) that can detect tiny changes in air flow. This helps them sense nearby objects, even in complete darkness.
7. They have a specialized grooming tongue
The surface of a cat’s tongue is covered in backward-facing spines called papillae, made of keratin. These act like a built-in comb and help them clean and detangle their fur.
8. They are lactose intolerant
Despite the stereotype of cats loving milk, most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Milk can cause stomach upset, gas, and diarrhea.
9. They "headbutt" as a sign of affection
When cats press their heads against you, it's called bunting. They're marking you with scent glands on their face, signaling trust and claiming you as part of their territory.
10. They dream, just like humans
During sleep, cats go through REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep phases, which is when dreaming occurs. Observing a cat twitching, moving its paws, or making noises during sleep likely means it's dreaming—perhaps about chasing mice!
Do you know a true-blue, dyed-in-the-wool cat person? Click here for a few of our designs that celebrate the love we have for our feline friends.