We know how much you love your furry little roommates. But no matter how long we've lived with cats, there's always something new and curious about them.
That's why today, we're sharing 8 fun, science-backed facts about cats. Some might surprise you, some might make you smile, and if you already know three of them—you're definitely part of the Cat Club. Ready to dive into the purr-fect world of felines with us?
Slow blinks = kitty love
Have you ever caught your cat slowly blinking at you? That's not just a sleepy moment—it's a sign of trust and affection! According to scientists, slow blinking is how cats say “I feel safe with you.” It's kind of like a smile in the cat world.
In one study, researchers observed 21 cats from 14 homes. They found that cats who received slow blinks from humans were more likely to blink back. It's a small but sweet way to bond. So next time you see your cat lounging nearby, give them a slow, gentle blink. You might just get a loving blink in return.
Cats can feel separation anxiety
Many people think cats are totally independent—but turns out, that's not always true. In a study with 223 cats, over 13% of them showed signs of separation anxiety when left alone.
The most common behaviors? Scratching up furniture (66.67%), meowing loudly, using the bathroom outside the litter box, acting down or distant, and even becoming aggressive or overly clingy. Interestingly, whether a cat feels anxious depends on their environment—things like how many people (especially women) live at home, whether they have toys, or if they live with other animals.
We didn't “tame” cats—cats chose us
Cats didn't start living with us just because we fed them. Thousands of years ago, they began hanging around grain storages to hunt rodents. That's how we first crossed paths.
Fast forward to today, studies now show that cats actually form emotional bonds with their humans. Just like dogs, they can show signs of “secure attachment”—they feel calmer when we're nearby. So if your cat seems chill when you're around, they might just be saying, “I'm happy you're here.”
Cats sense weather changes
Have you noticed your cat acting weird before a storm? Hiding under the couch or getting jumpy? Their amazing senses might be picking up signs way before we do.
Cats can detect changes in air pressure, hear distant thunder, or even smell the sharp scent of ozone that comes before lightning. It's like they have their own little built-in weather radar!
Why cats love boxes
Cats can sleep up to 18 hours a day—and when they nap, they want to feel safe. That's why cardboard boxes are their dream hangout spot.
The small, enclosed space makes them feel protected—like a cozy cave. On cloudy days or when they're stressed, they may hide in boxes even more. So next time you get a delivery, don't toss the box just yet!
Our cats are tiny hunters
A study in 2020 found something wild: domestic cats can have a major impact on local wildlife. In fact, in certain areas, they hunt 2 to 10 times more animals than similar-sized wild predators.
That's because even if our cats look cute and cuddly, they're still natural hunters. It's in their DNA. They've kept this instinct alive from their wild ancestors—especially outdoor cats.
Meat is a must
Cats aren't just meat-lovers—they're built to eat it. They need certain nutrients, like taurine, that are only found in animal protein.
Taurine is essential for their eyesight and heart health. Without enough, they could face serious issues. Luckily, most commercial cat foods include taurine, so indoor kitties are covered!
Whiskers are tiny super tools
Whiskers are more than just cute face decorations. Each one is packed with nerves and can sense even tiny changes in air movement.
That helps cats move through tight spaces, judge distances, and even “feel” prey moving nearby—especially in the dark. They've got whiskers not only on their face but also above their eyes, on their chin, and even near their paws. Talk about next-level navigation!
Thanks for exploring with us!
So Lykkers, how many of these cool cat facts did you already know? Three? More? Let us know which one surprised you the most—or which one made you go “aww.”
Whether you're a seasoned cat parent or just love a good meow moment, there's always more to learn about our mysterious, funny, and lovable feline friends. Until next time, give your kitty a slow blink and a warm spot to nap—and keep being curious!
Meow for now 🐾
