International Cat Day: 6 things you don’t know about him

In the collective imagination the cat is a mysterious animal and what makes him so enigmatic is his tendency to carefully scrutinize those in front of him and to distrust what he doesn’t know. The cat, unlike the dog, is a almost totally independent and solitary animal, he is not always inclined to cuddles and games and often needs his own space and time . These characteristics, rather unusual for a pet, over time have prevailed victim of unfounded superstitions linked to magic and witchcraft an example of which is the legend of the black cat which still today endangers many specimens.

On the occasion of International Cat Day which is held every year February 17 we want to tell you about some of them curiosity to better understand the habits of our feline friends and, why not, dispel some myths. The month of February was chosen to celebrate cats because people born in this month are considered free and unconventional and, as we have seen, these are characteristics also associated with felines.

In this article…

1. Why do cats love boxes?

What all cat owners wonder is why their cat often prefers an old box instead of an expensive, high-quality scratching post. Cats use boxes as shelter from danger or as a place for ambushes, they love to hide inside closed and safe spaces, for this reason they love to rest inside old cardboard boxes. Additionally, cardboard is a great soundproofing material, making it a great place to rest.

For this reason we have included in our wide range of accessories Cardboard cat scratching post or in different materials with comfortable beds to rest in. Choosing these accessories allows the cat to have fun without filling the house with annoying parcel boxes and pieces of cardboard.

2. Not all cats hate water

It is common to think that cats do not have a good relationship with water, this thought is reinforced by the reluctance with which most cats approach puddles of water or drink from bowls, even if full of fresh, clean water. But is it really true that cats hate water?

Cats are often intrigued by a tap with running water and begin to play with it or even drink it, this is because it is not entirely true that felines hate water, or at least it is not a characteristic of all cats. Usually what they don’t appreciate is stagnant water due to their strong self-preservation instinct: their very fine sense of smell can easily detect the presence of toxic substances in the water . Additionally, it is known that moving water tends to be cleaner than standing water. This is why dehydration is a very common problem for cats if your feline friend has difficulty drinking fountains for cats they are probably the ideal accessory to bring even the most reluctant animals closer.

3. When do cats purr?

A the cat’s purr it is an instinctive reaction that originates from childhood: the mother cat emits it while breastfeeding her kittens to reassure and relax them. The purr is often accompanied by the typical «kneading» gesture of the cat, which also recalls the breastfeeding period.

This instinctive reaction which remains in cats even into adulthood, is considered a real communication tool . When they are petted by their owner, when they are in the company of other cats or when they eat their favorite food, cats express a feeling of well-being and good mood by purring. However, purring it does not only express positive moods it often indicates fears, serves to relieve pain or if the cat is in a state of stress it helps him to calm down.

4. Why do cats like to climb?

Cat owners have probably noticed how much this animal likes to perch on wardrobes, climb on curtains, walk on shelves, climb on beds and sofas. It can be said that cats like to look at the world from above, why?

This behavior comes from the feline predatory instinct: cats, in fact they like to keep the environment under control of potential prey and predator threats . Jumping and climbing are very fun hunting behaviors for all felines, which is why there are so many vertical cat structures available on the market that allow your kitten to dominate the room and keep an eye on his group of human friends. For more adventurous cats the use of structures that develop vertically allow them to satisfy their need to climb while safeguarding the ornaments of the house.

5. Why is my cat’s tongue rough?

When your cat licks you, you will surely have noticed how rough and scratchy his tongue is . This aroused the curiosity of experts, who, examining it under a microscope, discovered it Cat taste buds are made of keratin which makes them have a rigid and resistant consistency, similar to that of our nails.

Furthermore, the cat’s tongue is very flexible and this allows it to reach even the most difficult parts of the body. The taste buds of which it is made are long and thread-like, similar to curved hooks and being attached to the soft tissues of the muscle, they can rotate in all directions. This feature allows the cat to perfectly untangle the fur from knots, dirt and parasites, ensuring optimal coat hygiene .

6. Why do cats hide their feces?

One of the behaviors that arouses the greatest curiosity is the fact that cats, like dogs, cover their own feces. Why do they do it? Despite being a very clean animal, contrary to what one might think, this behavior is not linked to cleanliness, but rather to a question of safety.

Covering your feces with cat litter means hiding their smell from potential predators, not doing so would mean challenging potential dominant cats in the territory. This is also an instinctive behavior, hiding your tracks prevents predators from chasing them into their den and possibly attacking your kittens.