10 Strange Facts About Cats You May Not Know

Cats are endlessly fascinating creatures, revealing surprising traits and unusual behaviours the more we learn about them. Their quirks often seem strange or unexpected, deepening our appreciation for these enigmatic pets. Here are ten strange facts about cats you might not have known.

1. Many Cats Are Lactose Intolerant and Cannot Drink Regular Milk

The familiar image of a cat drinking a saucer of milk is a stereotype, but in reality, many cats are lactose intolerant. This means that the lactose in regular cow's milk can cause digestive upset, including vomiting and diarrhoea. It’s far safer and healthier to provide fresh water for your cat. For those cats that love milk, specially formulated lactose-free milk for cats is available in many supermarkets and pet shops, offering a safe alternative.

2. Cats Purr Not Only When Happy but Also When Ill or Injured

While purring is often associated with contentment, cats may also purr when they are unwell or hurt. This behaviour is thought to aid self-healing; studies suggest that the frequency of purring can promote bone regeneration and healing. Furthermore, a sick cat’s purring can be a comfort-seeking signal, indicating trust in their owner’s care and providing reassurance during distressing times.

3. Most Tortoiseshell Cats Are Female, But Male Tortoiseshell Cats Do Exist

Tortoiseshell cats, often called torties, are almost always female due to genetics linked to the X chromosome. However, rare male tortoiseshell cats occur, usually because of a genetic anomaly where they possess an extra X chromosome. These male torties are generally sterile and prized for their rarity among feline enthusiasts.

4. Some Cats Have Extra Toes – Known as Polydactyl Cats

Typically, cats have five toes on their front paws and four on their back paws, but polydactyl cats have more—sometimes six or more toes on their paws. These extra toes can make a cat look as if it has thumbs and are cherished by some for their unique appearance. Although generally harmless, extra toes can occasionally cause issues requiring veterinary care. Note that some cat showing bodies, such as the GCCF, do not permit polydactyl cats in competitions.

5. Cats Are Able to Drink Seawater

Unlike humans who cannot drink seawater without harm, cats have highly efficient kidneys capable of filtering out salt, allowing them to hydrate by drinking seawater if necessary. This remarkable adaptation is an example of how feline physiology can differ significantly from ours.

6. Cats Only Miaow When Communicating with Humans

Adult cats generally do not miaow to other cats but learn to use this vocalisation specifically to communicate with their human companions. Kittens will miaow to gain their mother’s attention early on, but grown cats use it as a way to get what they want from people. This learned behaviour shows cats’ ability to adapt communication for social interaction with humans.

7. Cats Spend Around Sixteen Hours a Day Sleeping

Cats need about twice as much sleep as humans, often around sixteen hours per day. This is because hunting and playing activities expend a great deal of energy, so cats use sleep to conserve and restore it. Far from laziness, a cat’s long naps are a natural and necessary part of their biology.

8. Elderly Cats Can Suffer from Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Similar to Alzheimer's

Just like people, some older cats experience cognitive decline, sometimes called feline dementia or Alzheimer's-like syndrome. Symptoms include confusion, memory loss, and changes in behaviour such as constant meowing. Providing a stable, familiar environment and gentle reassurance helps affected cats cope with these age-related challenges.

9. Cats Have a Better Chance of Surviving Falls from Greater Heights Than Lower Ones

Cats are famed for landing on their feet, but surprisingly, they can survive falls from greater heights better than from mid-level heights. It appears that falls from high places give cats time to orient themselves and prepare their bodies for impact, while shorter falls don’t allow this. However, there is a limit, and all falls carry risk, so it's important to keep your cat safe from dangerous heights.

10. Cats’ Nose Prints Are Unique Like Human Fingerprints

Cats have tiny bumps and ridges on their noses that are unique to each individual, much like human fingerprints. This uniqueness means your cat’s nose print could theoretically be used for identification, though this method is not commonly used in practice.

Conclusion

These ten strange facts reveal the fascinating complexity of cats and their remarkable adaptations. Understanding these unusual traits can help deepen our bond and promote more responsible care of our feline companions. There are countless more intriguing cat facts still to explore, highlighting why cats continue to be such captivating pets.