It goes without saying that cats are quite mysterious animals. They like to be left to their own devices, sneaking and hunting around for, well, who knows what. As a cat owner and lover, you must find ways to get to know your feline as best as you possibly can. And while some things will forever remain a mystery (Why does my cat feel the need to lay down on everything — paper bags, boxes, and newspaper piles — except for the nice plush bed I bought them?), other top Qs have answers that may actually help you become a better cat parent.Here, we’ve tackled some of the most-asked cat questions, everything from cat litter box specifics to myth-busters like “can cats drink milk?” Guess along as you work your way down this list to see how well you know your favorite felines … and then jot down some notes, so you can wow all of the other cat lovers in your life with these fun facts.
Can Cats Drink Milk?
Yes and no
Sure, you’ve seen a kindle of kittens gather ‘round a bowl of milk in movies like Disney’sThe Aristocats, but that doesn’t necessarily reflect real life (or it shouldn’t, at least). Cats feed on their mother’s milk for their first 12 weeks of life, but after that, it’s challenging for them to digest lactose properly. Think of it as the same as a human having a lactose intolerance: Some cats can drink milk without any problems, while others may have gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and abdominal pains. If you need to give in to your cat’s cravings, stay away from cow’s milk and opt for something likeFancy Feast Creamy Delights. In general, cow’s milk isn’t safe for most cats since it also adds unhealthy amounts of fat to their diet.
Can Cats See Color?
Yes
Cats don’t live in a black-and-white world. In fact, cats can see a variety of colors, even if it’s not as vibrant as the human eye. Let’s talk science: there are specific types of cell in a retina that allow human and animal eyes to differentiate colors. Most animals and humans have three different types of cells to identify red, blue, and green combinations. The difference, however, is that humans have up to ten-times more cones than cats. That means that most humans can see a broader range of colors — lights, brights, darks, you name it. Cats can only see a small range of colors, withsome scientists arguingthat they can only see shades of blue and gray.
Can Cats Eat Chocolate?
No
We all know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs, but the same goes for these furry felines. Theobromine and caffeine, which are found in white, milk, and dark chocolates, is toxic for cats, but it is especially harmful in dark chocolate or unsweetened baking chocolate. Suppose a cat ingests a significant amount of chocolate (this varies by a cat’s weight and the type of chocolate eaten). In that case, it can result in abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death if not treated promptly.
Can Cats Talk to Each Other?
Yes
“Meows” are just the beginning: Cats communicate with one another in a variety of ways, both vocal and physical. They may “meow” or make a trill sound to greet another cat. When they are angry or scared, they may hiss or groan. But really, most of their communication requires no sound at all. They rub noses to greet one another and rub their heads or bodies against one another to show affection.You may pick up on a few body language signals as well. If your cat is interacting with another, look to see if they lick their lips, crouch down, or flattens their ears since this may be their way of communicating that they are afraid. If they like the other cat and feel comfortable, they may have a crooked tip of their tail or plop on the ground and show off their belly.
Can Cats Have Too Much Catnip?
Yes
Too much of a good thing can sometimes be harmful. When your cat catches a whiff of catnip, it targets the “happy” receptors in their brain, causing them to roll, flip, or totally zone out. Some cats may meow or growl; others may become aggressive if you approach them. Typically, this will only last 10 minutes, but it may take up to two hours before your cat is entirely back to normal. While it’s doubtful that your cat will overdose on catnip, they can become nauseous and irritable if they are given too much.
Do All Cats Hate Water?
No
Traditionally, Maine Coon, Turkish Van, and Abyssinian cats love to splash around in the water — or at the very least, hang out under a running tap. But most cats try to avoid water at all costs. Their aversion to water goes back to their origins: Their ancestors lived in dry environments, away from any significant bodies of water. So, most cats simply don’t understand water, or how to interact with it. When they do, the weight of water on their soaked fur weighs them down, making some cats feel uncomfortable and trapped.
Can Cats See In the Dark?
Yes and no
No, cats don’t have X-ray vision or some kind of magical power to see in complete darkness. But unlike humans, they can see clearer in low levels of light. Cats have more rods in their eyes, which help their overall peripheral vision and ability to see in low-light conditions. It also helps that their eyes are perfectly shaped for dark conditions: They have a curved cornea and oversized lens, and they can even dilate their pupils to full circles to let in more light.
Can Cats Share Litter Boxes?
Yes (with a few specifications)
Have you ever shared a bathroom with a roommate (or multiple roommates)? Then you know just how annoying it can be to have an occupied bathroom when youhaveto go (you know what we’re talking about it). Your cats aren’t any different. Although cats can share litter boxes, it’s best to have multiple throughout your house to ensure that all of your cats have a place where they can do their business without any interference.While it’s up to you just how many litter boxes you want placed around your house, mostexperts saythere should be one litter box per cat, plus one extra. Stick them in different locations in your house — as long as they are quiet, relatively sheltered, and distraction-free.
Can Cats Recognize Their Humans?
Yes
At some point, you’ve probably had a debate with someone over whether or not your cat actually, like really, knows who you are. Even though they may not pick up specific characteristics like the ways humans do, cats are attuned to how humans smell, look and act. Say you come home with different hair color and style or smell like a bonfire after a night with friends — your cat will pick up on it and may even act nervous around you since you seem unfamiliar.Your cat will enjoy our Skoon Original Pebbles cat litter. And hey, they may even become cleaner! Learn more about trying this product.
