Today is August 8th, which means it is international cat day! Provide lots of toys and treats in celebration of your furry friend! Let us highlight our cat friends by sharing pictures and funny stories; send us pictures via text message and we’ll feature your cat on our Instagram story today. We’ll now share 9 interesting cat facts (since cats have 9 lives):
- Cats have 32 muscles in their ear in order to move them in up to 180° rotation.
- Cats have tiny backward-facing hooks called papillae, which is made of keratin, on their tongue. This is to allow full body grooming.
- Cats use their tails for communication, certain tail movements can indicate different emotions.
- Cats use their whiskers to ensure they fit into a space before entering.
- Unneutered male cats usually have enlarged and more prominent cheeks due to increased levels of testosterone.
- Cats are lactose intolerant and should not be given cow’s milk; or any milk after weaning from their mother around 4 weeks.
- Cats have a unique nose print, similar to the human fingerprint.
- Cats do not allow you to touch their abdomen unless they trust you, they do this to protect their vital organs.
- A cat’s “fangs” are actually called canine teeth. These teeth have a “natural groove” which helps with increased blood flow when biting prey to ensure easy withdrawal to allow for quick bites.