Cats are pretty much the most popular pet in the world. They provide excellent companionship, while still being able to fend for themselves quite a bit. They are at turns cuddly, aloof, annoying (when they try to sleep on your head in the middle of the night), and hilarious, and we sure do love them! Who hasn't spent a happy hour or two watching kitten videos online? Even with all of our experience, though, there's still a lot for us to learn about cats, and Kidzworld can help!
Play is good for cats, both physically and emotionally. Courtesy of sites.psu.edu
History
Cats as we know them today are thought to be descended from African wildcats. People commonly think that cats first started being domesticated by humans in Ancient Egypt, where cats were kept as pets and were sometimes represented as gods. Actually, though, there is evidence that cats have been pets for almost 10,000 years, putting the first known pet cat (discovered in a grave alongside a human) directly in the Stone Age. Romans are thought to have introduced cats into Europe, and cats were kept on ships as rodent control, which led to their introduction to the Americas.
In Ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred creatures.
Fun Facts
- Cats can drink seawater! Their kidneys allow them to filter the water they drink.
- There are thought to be over 500 million domestic cats worldwide. About 50 million of these cats are overweight; remember that cats need lots of exercise and to be on a nutritious diet in order to stay healthy!
- The pattern on a cat's nose is unique, much like a human fingerprint.
- Cats can make over 100 sounds with their voices, compared to what a dog can make, which is only about 10.
- Cats have dreams, just like people. They start dreaming at about one week old.
- A group of adult cats is called a "clowder" and a group of kittens is called a "kindle."
- Cats can't taste sweetness.
- Cats sleep around 16 hours a day. Lucky cats!
- In 1963, a French cat named Felicette went to space and survived the trip.
- Cats can sense human emotion - if you're feeling sad, they'll understand!
Cats spend at least two thirds of their lives sleeping!Courtesy of petsworld.in
Cats are really something special. They are smart, communicative, and loving creatures. Next time you get grumpy at your cat for scratching your furniture, think back on the thousands of years of history cats have had in the world. Maybe the Ancient Egyptians were really on to something!
Have Your Say!
Have you ever had a cat? Let us know in the comments section!
