Facts About Cats
Having any type of pet is a big responsibility so it's important to understand and learn all you can about the pet that you have. If you're thinking of getting a cat, then you will want to know some basic, common sense facts about them so you can pick the right breed for you. Here are some common facts about cats and some myths that will help you learn more about cats in general.
Physical Features
Generally speaking cats can usually weigh between 2.5 and 7kg, or 5.5 and 16 pounds. Some cat breeds however can exceed that weight, especially wild cats. Some house cats have also been known to exceed fifty pounds due to over feeding and excessive eating. This is not healthy for any cat; with strict diet and exercise you should be able to keep your cat in the healthy weight range, especially ones that live indoors.
Indoor cats generally live between fourteen and twenty years, although some have been known to live as many as fifteen years longer than that. If you are considering getting a domestic cat then will live much longer if they are not permitted to go outdoors at all. This reduces the risk of injury, fighting with other cats, and exposure to disease.
Rest and Play
Most cats are extremely playful, but will conserve their energy by sleeping more than most animals. This is especially true as they get older. The average number of hours for a cat to sleep is usually between thirteen and fourteen, but some can sleep for almost twenty hours at a time in a twenty four hour period. They can fall easily extremely easily, which is where we get the term "cat nap."
During the evening is when they tend to me the most playful. Depending on the breed they can reach levels of hyperactivity for thirty minutes or more. Their temperament will also vary depending on the breed of cat you have. Young kittens are especially known for their love of play; string being a favorite toy. Most cats cannot resist the dangling of a piece of string.
Some Myths About Cats
· Cats always land on their feet: While most cats will instinctively fall feet first and have been known to survive falls from high places, they can also be hurt very badly and sometimes will not land on their feet. Don't try and throw a cat off a building just to see if this myth is true.
· Cats only drink milk: It is true that most cats like milk, but they don't necessarily need it to survive. If they are receiving the proper nutrition they don't need to drink milk everyday; in fact it will give them diarrhea if they drink too much.
· Cats can't get rabies: This is not true! Most warm blooded mammals can carry rabies and should be vaccinated regularly according to local laws.
· Pregnant women should not own cats: It's true that some cats can carry diseases called toxoplasmosis which can spread to humans through litter boxes and cause serious problems with unborn babies. With that in mind, these problems can be controlled by keeping the expectant mother informed and away from potential hazards.
Hopefully some of these facts about cats will help you make a good decision when it comes to getting your own cat.
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