Get to KNOW about your kitty

So you think you know your cat well? Here are a few amazing cat facts which would leave you bewildered.

Cats can see in dark…No! It has always been believed that cats can see in the dark but this is not actually true although it does appear that they need far less light to see that which humans can see.
Shining eyes in dark: We often see cat’s eyes shining in the dark and especially if they are caught in torch light or a beam of light. Apparently this will occur when light is reflected from a structure at the back of the eye that appears to be mirror-like.
The cat’s field of vision is astounding at 280 degrees.
Nose…does more than smell: We have always felt that the cat’s nose is not only used for smelling but is very sensitive to touch, cold and warmth and in that way a cat ascertains the temperature.
Purr sound from voice box… No!
No one really knows exactly how cats purr. One of the long standing mysteries of the cat is her ability to make purring noises. Cats of all species purr when they are contented and at ease, although the purring sound can also occur when they are in pain. Biologists have determined that purring does not originate in the larynx (voice box). One prevalent theory is that it is generated by vibrations in the chest of the cat which are brought on by increased activity in major blood vessels there. Not all zoologists agree with this opinion. But, ultimately, the origin and function of the purring remain  unexplained. So, we should just enjoy this mystery when socialising with our cats.
Grooming for temperature control and vitamin D: An important part of their temperature regulation is grooming and licking in cats and it also supplies the cat with small quantities of vitamin D found in the skin.
Whiskers are sensitive: Like eyelashes,
a cat’s whiskers help to protect her eyes. The slightest touch causes the eyes to blink. Never cut a cat’s whiskers.
Love thy sleep: Cats sleep away about two thirds of their lives, about twice as much as most other mammals and it seems they can sleep in just about any position or place that they find comfortable.
Athletes: Most cats can jump three metres high and, over a distance, 15 times their own length. Cats have a superbly flexible spine and, unlike most animals, they can arch their back into a half circle.
Flexible to the core: Cats have remarkable flexibility and their bones are manipulated by over 500 voluntary muscles. “Cat s always land on
their feet”. This is an old saying and is generally true because the cat will make every effort to do so.
Cats can swim: All cats have the ability  to swim in dog-paddle fashion although most do not care to do this but, one breed, the Turkish Van Cat, really appears to enjoy swimming.
Check her mood from her ears:
Movement of the cat’s ears indicate her moods – if she is curious or attentive the ears are raised but, if the cat is in a defensive mood, the ears will turn sideways. Ears can move independently of each other. We all know that when a cat flattens her ears, the mood is definitely showing anger or displeasure.
Beware signal: If the cat’s hair is standing on end they are keen to give the appearance of being twice their normal size, beware of her!
(Joan E Henderson is based in Australia and she has judged furry felines in many other countries including USA, Bermuda, Malaysia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Philippines and New Zealand.)