10 Facts You Didn't Know About Cats

Think you know cats? These 10 unkown cat facts might surprise you. Learn what makes your feline friend even more unique.

1. Cats can (in emergency) drink sea water.

   Their kidneys are efficient enough to filter out salt

   and rehydrate from salt water - unlike humans.

   
   

2. They were domesticated twice.

   Evidence suggests cats were domesticated independently in both the Near East and China, thousands of years apart.

   
   

3. They can get "whisker fatigue"

   When their whiskers touch too many things (like in deep bowls), it can overwhelm their sensory system and stress them out.

   
   

4. They mark you with scent - even by blinking.

   Slow blinking at you is a sign of trust and affection. It's a form of scentless marking, showing you are part of their social group.

   
   

5. Cats have a vocabulary of meows just for humans.

   Adult cats rarely meow at each other. They develop a variety of vocalizations specifically to communicate with their humans.

   
   

6. Their purring has healing powers.

   The frequency of a cat purring (between 25-150 Hz) is believed to promote bone healing and reduce inflamation.

   
   

7. They can't taste sweetness.

   Unlike dogs and humans, cats lack the receptors for sweet tastes. That's why sugary treats don't appeal to them.

   
   

8. Cats were put on trial in medieval Europe.

   In the Middle Ages, cats (especially black ones) were associated with witchcraft and were sometimes burned in public rituals.

   
   

9. They have a third eyelid (nictitating membrane)

   It helps protect their eyes and keep them moist but is usually hidden unless they are sick or very relaxed.

   
   

10. Cats can recognize their own names.

    Studies have shown that cats do recognize their names and can distinguish them from other words. However, unlike dogs, they may simply choose not to respond.