9 Amazing facts about house cats
Published on Wed Jul 25 2018 in Lifestyle
Tabby, kitty, puss, mouser… whatever you call cats, there’s no denying that they are remarkable animals! Prized for their ability to catch pests and their human-friendly temperaments, it’s no wonder that house cats have become a favourite pet for millions of families around the world.
In celebration of our favourite felines, here are nine amazing facts about these slinky and nimble creatures:
1. Cats are the most popular pet in New Zealand!
According to the NZ Companion Animal Council (NZCAC), 44% of Kiwi households are shared by at least one cat. Just 28% of homes have a pet dog.
2. We have a soft spot for stray felines.
That same NZCAC survey asked people where they got their cats. Some 69% of respondents adopted their cat from an animal shelter, a family member or friend, or took in a stray feline they found.
3. Two cartoon cats draw on the species name.
The scientific name for the domestic cat—Felis silvestris catus–may have inspired the names of two of the most famous cartoon felines: Sylvester the cat (of Looney Tunes fame) and Felix the Cat (though the exact inspiration for his name is disputed).
4. Cats have an incredible night vision.
Whilst we may struggle in a dark room, felines can often see as clearly as if it were day. Their eyes need only one-sixth of the light that humans do to see.
5. A group of cats is called a clowder or a glaring.
These terms, as well as those for other animals, have been traced back to the Book of St. Albans, published in 1486. It was a bit of a gentleman’s guide, which also included practical advice on hunting, fishing and falconry.
6. The fear of cats is called ailurophobia.
The term ailurophobia is derived from the Ancient Greek word for cat, ailouros, which means “fast moving tail.”
7. The world’s oldest cat was named Creme Puff.
This tabby mix is officially recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Oldest Cat, living to the ripe old age of 38 years and 3 days! To put that into context, the average house cat lives about 15 years. We may never know why Creme Puff was able to live so long, but her unusual diet may have played a part. Her owners often fed her bacon and eggs, asparagus, broccoli and coffee with heavy creme.
8. Cats were very important in Ancient Egypt.
Several Egyptians gods were drawn with cat heads, both domestic and wild species. In everyday life, cats were respected and even sacred. Killing a cat was forbidden and families mourned the death of their household pets. They even had these cats embalmed and buried, as they might a member of the family.
9. Not all cats have nine lives.
This old superstition is a fanciful way of describing the nimbleness and dexterity of felines. However, it’s not the same in every culture. Whilst English tradition is that cats have nine lives, in Italy, Germany, Greece, Brazil and some Spanish-speaking countries they’re said to have only seven. Turkish and Arabic cats are even less lucky, with only six lives to live through!
Do you love your furry feline? Make sure your houseplants are pet-friendly!
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
Sources:
NZ Companion Animal Council, Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016
Wikipedia, Book of St. Albans; Cat; Cats in Ancient Egypt; Creme Puff (cat); Felix the Cat
Oxford Dictionaries, Who decides on the right collective noun for something?
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