8 Very Unusual Cat Facts You Didn’t Know

1. Isaac Newton probably invented the cat flap!

Legend tells us that while Isaac Newton was deeply engrossed in his studies at the University of Cambridge, a queen cat and her kittens often scratched incessantly on his office door, disturbing his work. To solve this, Newton reportedly asked a carpenter to fashion holes in the door, allowing his feline companions to come and go freely. Though possibly anecdotal, this tale suggests that the famed mathematician and physicist may have been the pioneer behind what we now know as the "cat flap," a simple yet ingenious invention that has made life easier for countless cat owners.

2. Nikola Tesla’s curiosity about electricity sparked by his cat Macak

The brilliant Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla had an electrifying early encounter with his cat, named Macak. On a chilly evening, Tesla noticed sparks flying when he stroked Macak, a discovery that amazed even his family. This phenomenon, later attributed to static electricity, inspired Tesla to delve deeper into electrical science, eventually leading to inventions that shaped our modern alternating current systems. It’s a charming reminder of how pets can unexpectedly influence scientific pioneers.

3. Cats can be right or left pawed – just like people

A fascinating study published in 2009 observed 42 domestic cats to determine if they showed a preference for one paw over the other. The researchers discovered a gender-linked tendency: male cats often favour their left paw while females tend to prefer the right. When given a challenging task like fishing tuna from a jar, 20 of the females used their right paw, and 20 of the males used their left. This lateralisation may be linked to hormonal influences during development, much like handedness in humans, and has also been seen in dogs and horses.

4. Cats have superb night vision

Cats excel in low-light environments thanks to several unique adaptations in their eyes. Their eyes contain 6 to 8 times more rod cells than humans, which are highly sensitive to light. Additionally, their elliptical eye shape and the presence of a tapetum lucidum - a reflective tissue layer behind the retina - help enhance light capture. This biological setup allows cats to see prey silhouetted even in near-darkness, underscoring their prowess as nocturnal hunters. A vet at a Michigan animal eye clinic highlights these features as key to their superior night vision.

5. Cats can detect tastes that humans can’t

While cats lack the ability to taste sweetness due to the absence of a specific gene, they do possess an extraordinary sensitivity to adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule signaling the presence of meat. ATP acts as a cue for cats that food is a proper source of energy, which may explain their carnivorous preference. Cats have only around 470 taste buds compared to humans’ 9,000, but this distinctive ability helps them identify suitable prey, sharpening their dietary selectivity.

6. Disneyland cares for approximately 200 feral cats

Since Disneyland’s opening in 1955, a community of feral cats has lived within the park's grounds, originally noticed by Walt Disney himself. Rather than eliminating them, the park opted to manage the cat population humanely to control a more troublesome mouse problem. The cats are fed at various stations, and friendly cats are adopted out by staff. Visitors can spot them near spots like the Hungry Bear Restaurant and the Grand Californian’s White Water Snacks. This arrangement reflects a compassionate approach to urban wildlife control.

7. The many purposes of a cat’s purr

• Survival aid for kittens: Kittens are born blind and deaf but respond to the vibrations of a purr, which helps them find their mother and siblings. Purring begins within days of birth and serves as a quiet comfort that attracts less attention from predators.
• Healing and pain relief: Studies suggest that purring releases endorphins that reduce pain and may even accelerate healing, as the vibrations correspond to frequencies known to help tissue repair in humans.
• Communication tool: Beyond contentment, cats purr to express stress, illness, or reassurance, making it a multifaceted vocalisation in their social toolkit.

8. Ernest Hemingway’s Florida home is famous for its six-toed cats

Legendary author Ernest Hemingway was gifted a polydactyl cat, meaning it had extra toes. This sparked his fascination, leading him to keep and breed 40 to 50 six-toed cats at his Florida residence. Today, their descendants still live there and are cared for diligently by museum staff. Recognised as a unique attraction, the cats even have their own cemetery. However, the presence of so many cats at the site has sparked regulatory scrutiny requiring official licensing. Hemingway's polydactyl cats remain a charming glimpse into the author’s life and love of felines.

What age can kittens leave their mother?

Quick Answer: Kittens should ideally stay with their mother until they are at least 8 to 12 weeks old to ensure proper socialisation and health development.

It is essential that kittens remain with their mother for a minimum of 8 weeks, although extending this to 12 weeks is beneficial. This period allows kittens to learn important behaviours, receive maternal care and nutrition, and undergo necessary vaccinations and vet checks. Premature separation can lead to health problems and behavioural issues, so prospective owners should always confirm the kitten's age before adoption or purchase from reputable breeders or rescue centres. Responsible breeders follow these guidelines strictly to promote kitten welfare and long-term happiness.

Why do cats purr?

Quick Answer: Cats purr primarily to communicate comfort but also for healing and stress relief purposes.

Recent research has shown that the soothing vibration of purring not only signals contentment but may promote healing by releasing pain-relieving endorphins. Cats also use purring to communicate a range of emotions including stress or illness. Owners will notice their cat purring when relaxed, nursing kittens, or even when unwell, showing this multi-purpose sound plays a significant part in feline life. Understanding purring can help owners better respond to their cat's needs.

Can cats be right or left pawed?

Quick Answer: Yes, cats show paw preferences similar to human handedness, with males often favouring the left and females the right.

Scientific studies reveal that many cats have a dominant paw that they prefer when performing tasks such as reaching or manipulating objects. Male cats generally tend to use their left paw predominantly, while females prefer their right. This unusual lateralisation may relate to developmental hormones and resembles human handedness patterns. Knowing your cat’s paw preference can deepen the understanding of their behaviour and personality.