Cats are some of the most popular pets across the globe, providing us with a lot of companionship and comfort. However, they are also notoriously elusive creatures and it might take you a while to fully earn their trust and get to know them. As such, cats have many little personality traits that might surprise you, particularly if you are a first-time cat owner. With this in mind, here are three cat facts that might surprise you.
1. Cats Have A Variety Of Vocalizations
If you are a first-time cat owner, you might be taken aback by some of the sounds made by your new furry friend. Everyone is familiar with the quintessential feline vocalisations of meowing and purring, but cats actually have a huge range of sounds that they use for various situations. Your cat might give you a friendly chirp to say hello for instance, or you might catch them sat on a windowsill and chattering at the birds outside. Some cat breeds are typically more vocal than others – if you enjoy listening to a chatty cat then look for a breed of Asian origin, like a Siamese. Additionally, cats mainly reserve their vocalizations for human interaction, their interactions with other cats being based mainly around body language, unless they feel threatened. If you hear a loud hiss or yowl, you can be sure that there is a cat fight taking place!
2. Cats Can Snore
You might be shocked to be woken up at night by the sound of snoring, only to realize that the sound is coming from your furry friend curled up on the bed beside you. Like humans, cats snore, but it does not necessarily mean that there is anything to worry about. Your cat might simply be sleeping in a position in which their head and neck are angled in such a way as to restrict air flow. Breeds with flattened faces, such as Persians, may snore more as the shape of their nose and nasal passages make it more difficult to breath. However, your cat may snore more if they are overweight. Check out this detailed and structured article on why does my cat snore for more information and consult a vet if you are concerned.
3. Cats Have Difficulty Expressing Emotion
You are probably aware of the unfair myth that cats are aloof creatures who are only affectionate towards humans when there is food involved. However, this apparent lack of affection could be put down to the fact that it is physically difficult for cats to express emotion in the ordinary ways. Compared to dogs, who can show many different expressions, cats do not have the same complexity of facial muscles. The result is that cats are unable to display emotion through their expressions as we do and you might feel dismissed by a blank-faced cat. The trick is to get to know your cat to be able to recognize which quirks of their behavior mean that they are satisfied and comfortable, or when they are about to pounce on your feet.
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