Cats have fascinated humans for thousands of years. From their playful antics to their independent nature, these enigmatic creatures continue to be beloved companions.
You might think you know everything there is to know about cats, but there are many surprising facts that will make you see your feline friend in a whole new light.
Get ready for a deep dive into the fascinating world of cats—there's more to them than meets the eye!
1. The Oldest Pet Cat Dates Back 9,500 Years
While many believe that cats were first domesticated by the ancient Egyptians, it turns out the relationship between humans and cats goes back even further. In 2004, French archaeologists uncovered the grave of a cat that was 9,500 years old on the island of Cyprus. This discovery predates Egyptian depictions of cats by more than 4,000 years, making it the oldest known domesticated cat.
2. Cats Sleep for 70% of Their Lives
If you've ever wondered why your cat spends so much time napping, it's because they spend around 70% of their lives asleep—roughly 13 to 16 hours a day. It's no wonder they're so well-rested and ready to pounce at a moment's notice!
3. An Alaskan Town Had a Cat Mayor for 20 Years
Talk about a paw-some leader! In Talkeetna, Alaska, an orange tabby named Stubbs served as mayor for two decades. Though he didn't have legislative power, Stubbs became a beloved figure in the town, winning multiple uncontested elections. Tourists and locals alike adored their feline leader.
4. The Longest Cat Ever Measured 48.5 Inches
While most domestic cats are small and sleek, some are truly giants. The record for the longest cat goes to Stewie, a giant domestic cat, who measured an astonishing 48.5 inches long. And if that wasn't impressive enough, the tallest cat ever recorded, Arcturus, stood at a staggering 19.05 inches!
5. The Richest Cat Had a Fortune of 7 Million Pounds
The wealthiest cat in history might make you green with envy. Blackie, a British cat, inherited a fortune of 7 million pounds after his millionaire owner passed away. The will specifically left the money to Blackie instead of the owner's family, making the cat a true feline tycoon.
6. Cats Walk Like Camels and Giraffes
Ever wondered why cats walk in such an unusual way? It's because their walking sequence mirrors that of camels and giraffes. They move both feet on one side of their body first, followed by the opposite side, making it look like they are moving half of their body at once.
7. Isaac Newton Invented the Cat Door
While Isaac Newton is remembered for his groundbreaking work in physics, he also made a contribution to the world of cats. It's believed that Newton invented the cat door. According to legend, his cats kept interrupting his work at the University of Cambridge, so Newton had holes cut into his door to allow them easy access. These holes are reportedly still visible at the university today.
8. A Cat Went to Space in 1963
Cats aren't just curious about the world—they've ventured into space, too! In 1963, a cat named Felicette, also known as "Astrocat," became the first and only cat to be sent into space. Felicette's journey marked a historic moment in space exploration, though she's often overshadowed by the likes of dogs and monkeys.
9. Ancient Egyptians Shaved Their Eyebrows When Their Cats Died
In ancient Egypt, cats were deeply revered. So much so that when a family's pet cat passed away, family members would shave their eyebrows as a sign of mourning. Herodotus, the ancient Greek historian, wrote about this ritual in 440 BC, providing us with a unique insight into Egyptian customs.
10. Domestic Cats Share 95.6% of Their DNA with Tigers
Despite their small size, domestic cats share an astounding 95.6% of their genetic makeup with tigers. This cat fact might make you look at your feline companion with newfound respect—they may be a lot closer to their wild cousins than you think!
11. House Cats Can Reach Speeds of 30 MPH
Cats might love to lounge around, but they're also capable of impressive bursts of speed. House cats can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour—fast enough to leave even the fastest humans, like Usain Bolt, in the dust over a short distance. If you've ever seen your cat sprint around the house, you'll know just how quick they can be!
12. The Oldest Cat Lived to 38
Creme Puff holds the title of the oldest cat ever recorded, living to the ripe old age of 38 years and 3 days. His owner, Jake Perry, also owned the previous record-holder, Grandpa Rex Allen, who lived to 34. It seems that Perry had the secret to raising super-long-lived cats!
13. The Loudest Purr Recorded at 67.8 Decibels
While most cats purr softly, Merlin, a black-and-white cat from Torquay, UK, holds the record for the loudest purr, which clocks in at 67.8 decibels. For comparison, that's almost as loud as a shower! Most cats purr at around 25 decibels, so Merlin's purr is truly a standout.
14. Didga the Cat Can Perform 24 Tricks in One Minute
Think cats can't learn tricks? Think again! Didga, an incredibly talented cat, holds the record for performing 24 tricks in a single minute. From rolling over to skateboarding, Didga's impressive abilities show that cats are far more trainable than many people realize.
Cats are truly remarkable creatures. From their surprising history to their incredible abilities, there's always something new to learn about our feline friends. Whether they're setting records or captivating us with their quirky behavior, cats continue to be a source of endless fascination.
