Kitty Post: Exploring the Physiology of a Cat

There are many fascinating and quirky facts about cats that you might find interesting. This article focuses on interesting facts about a cat’s physiology and how these unique differences impact a cat’s behavior.

Purring mystery: Cats purr for more than happiness. Purring can be a self-soothing mechanism when stressed, ill or in pain. Cats purr at a frequency between 25–150 Hz, which can promote bone healing and tissue regeneration.

Chattering: Cats have been known to “chatter” or “chirp” at birds. The sound is thought to be either a sign of frustration at not being able to reach the prey, or a form of mimicry to lure birds closer.

Unique “righting reflex”: Cats can twist their bodies up to 180 degrees in mid-air to land on their feet, thanks to two factors. First, cats have unusually flexible spines because they have more vertebrae than most mammals. A human has 206 bones, and a cat has around 230, depending on tail length and number of toes. Second, cats have a vestibular system in their inner ear that acts like a balance sensor.

Toe variety: Most cats have 18 toes, but some “polydactyl” cats can have 28 or more.

Night vision: Cats can see at light levels six times lower than humans due to a high number of rod cells in their retinas.

Whisker radar: Whiskers (vibrissae) are so sensitive they can detect changes in air currents, helping cats navigate in darkness.

Backward claws: A cat’s claws curve backward, making climbing down trees tricky—they usually back down.

Jacobson’s organ: Located in the roof of the mouth, it allows cats to “taste” smells (that funny grimace after sniffing something is referred to as the Flehman response).

Third eyelid: Cats have a nictitating membrane that helps protect and moisten the eye.

Super sniffers: Cats have around two hundred million scent receptors (humans have about five million).

Taste blind to sweets: Cats lack taste receptors for sugar; sweet things are invisible to their palates.

Super jumpers: Cats can jump up to six times their own height in one leap.

Righties and lefties: Most male cats favor their left paw, while most females favor their right.

Check out future Kitty Post for more interesting facts about cats.

MARK YOUR CALENDERS

Beltsville Community Cats (BCC) invites you to join us for two upcoming events.

·         A fundraiser at Restaurant 198: Wednesday, September 17^th, 5:00 – 9:00 pm

[15540 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD 20866, 301-723-7270]

We are excited to have Elliott Gayle, a musician from San Antonio, TX, performing from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Restaurant 198 will donate a portion of your total bill to BCC.

·         BCC’s Fall Yard Sale and Adoption Event: Saturday, October 18, 10am – 2pm

[Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 11416 Cedar Ln, Beltsville, MD 20705]

·         Can’t make the fundraiser or the yard sale, consider donating to BCC (www.beltsvillecats.net/donate) or volunteering for BCC (email hello@beltsvillecats.net].