Cats are an ideal pet for many people. They make great companions and tend to be cheaper and require less maintenance than dogs. Cats are very unique animals, and there is a lot to learn about them. When you take your cat for a visit to the vet, it is normally just for a quick checkup. The veterinary software at most offices is reserved for recording pretty mundane information, but learning more about your cat can give you a lot of interesting information about these creatures. Read on to discover 8 health facts about cats that you were probably previously unaware of.
1. They Can Drink Seawater
If a human tried to rely solely on saltwater, they would only become more dehydrated. Cats, on the other hand, can take advantage of this unique ability. They are able to filter out the salt found in seawater thanks to their kidneys, which are comparatively much more efficient than ours.
2. They Have Unique Ways of Cooling Off
Because of their fur coats, cats do not have many sweat glands on their bodies. They sweat through glands that are found primarily on the pads their paws. Next time you see a cat in warmer weather, you might be aware of the fact that they are leaving behind tiny wet paw prints. Additionally, they also cool down by licking their fur and panting. Even though it may not seem like it, cats enjoy the sun. Their ability to tolerate heat is innate, as their ancestors were originally desert-dwelling creatures.
3. They Are Creatures of Habit
Like many of us, cats thrive off of routine. They do not like when their patterns are thrown off, such as when guests are visiting your house or your cat is moved to a new location. They can be perfectly healthy, but if stressed, they can exhibit symptoms of illness. Vomiting, refusing food, or other unusual behaviors are likely to occur if something changes in your cat’s typical environment.
4. Their Dental Hygiene Routine
Interestingly enough, cats use meat to clean their teeth. Chewing raw strips of meat keeps their teeth and gums healthy. Giving your cat a piece of meat (such as deboned rabbit, beef, or poultry) every day will help them practice good dental hygiene.
5. They Usually Have a Dominant Paw
Research suggests that cats can be dominant in either their left or right paws. It tends to depend on the gender of your cat; males are typically dominant with their left paws, and females are usually dominant with their right paws.
6. Every Cat Has a Unique Nose Print
Just like humans with their fingerprints, every cat’s nose print is different. The ridges and bumps found on their nose is exclusive to each individual. In theory, these prints could be used for identification purposes. Perhaps one-day nose scanners could be used for identifying pets instead of microchips that are not always reliable.
7. Foods That Are Bad for Cats
Some facts about cats are very important to know and this is one of them. There are some foods that you might be surprised to learn that cats should not eat. Grapes, for instance, are known to trigger kidney failure in felines. Tuna has insufficient nutrients and can lead to mercury poisoning. Large quantities of chives, onions, or garlic can lead to gastrointestinal issues or poisoning.
And of course, chocolate should never be given to cats. Like with dogs, even small amounts can be lethal.
8. Cats Do Not Like Stagnant Water
When your cat goes to take a drink, you might notice that they often splash around in their bowl. This is because they are purposefully trying to get the water to move. Their natural instinct is to want to drink from a source of moving water. In the wild, stagnant water indicates that is unsafe and filled with poisonous bacteria. Of all the facts about cats, this fact is especially useful to know if your cat doesn’t seem to be drinking enough. Consider buying a circulating water bowl or fountain to encourage your cat to drink more.
