Ask any cat owner and they will tell you all the astonishing things their cat can do and how much enjoyment they bring to their lives. But did you know that cats are not only great companions but are also very unique creatures? The following amazing cat facts prove what truly distinctive animals they really are.
Did you know that cats have 3 eyelids?
While humans only have an upper and lower eyelid protecting their eyeball, cats have a third eyelid, which is located underneath their upper and lower lid, too. This eyelid is called the third eyelid, nictitating membrane, or the haw. Although not always seen when a cats eyes are open, this eyelid is important in keeping a cats eyes moist (by spreading tears across the eyeball) as well as helping to flush away any debris when a cat blinks. Third eyelids are most noticeable when a cat is falling asleep and the third eyelid moves over the eyeball from the lower inner corner of the eye to the upper outer corner.
Did you know that cats have retractable claws?
It is true. Cats have claws which naturally retract into their paws when relaxed. Cats extend these claws outwards when they are swatting in their defence, stretching, and kneading their paws as a sign of affection and contentment. These retractable claws can be exposed, by gently pushing on the pads of a cat's feet, when nail trimming is needed.
Did you know that cats have hair on their tongues?
Owners who have cats that lick their faces, to wake them up, know that a cat's tongue is covered in short bristly hair. This hair is called papillae and these barb-like hairs (which face backwards) help to remove loose hair that is shedding when a cat grooms itself by licking its coat. In a way, a cats hairy tongue acts like a built in comb.
Did you know that cats have a stronger sense of smell than humans?
Ever wonder how a cat knows to come running when you open a can of tuna on the other side of the house making no noise at all? This is because cats have a much stronger sense of smell then their human counterparts making them sensitive to the most minor scents. This exceptional sense of smell helps cats to find mates and locate food sources when hunting. It also helps cats to establish territorial boundaries when they use their exceptional sense of smell to find the scent left behind by other cats in their area.
A cat's sense of smell is also heightened by a unique organ called the vomeronasal organ. This organ is located on the roof of a cat's mouth and leads directly to the nasal passages. When a cat wants to use this organ it will open its mouth slightly appearing to take air in through their mouth. This is called gaping and is one of the ways a cat uses its sense smell, in its environment, as an alternative to using its nose alone.
