By: Emanuelle Welter 
November 13th, 2024

Contrary to popular belief, cats have been a person’s best friend for longer than dogs. In Egyptian times, cats were considered sacred magical creatures that brought good luck. But why have cats been demonized? Well, back when some women were believed to be witches, cats were also believed to be their helpers. Some also believed witches would turn into cats to lurk in the shadows and cast spells on people. We know that isn’t true nowadays, but the belief that black cats are “bad luck” is still around and wholeheartedly believed by many. Because of this disinterest, we have failed to study further what cats are capable of – hence why dogs are the usual pick/favorite – however, recently, scientists found that cats are very intelligent, reliable, and great company. 

A wall painting from the tomb of Ipuy, at Deir el-Medina. Ipuy has a small kitten sitting on his lap whilst a cat sits under his wife’s chair (Image credit: https://www.nilemagazine.com.au/march-2015-archive/2015/3/22/ancient-egypts-best-dressed-cats)

James Serpell from the School of Veterinary Medicine conducted a Fe-BARQ [the Feline Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire, developed by Serpell himself] and it is as quoted “From our Fe-BARQ data we see that a surprising number of owners are reporting moderate to severe behavioral problems in a cat when separated from its owner. [...] these cats really do seem to be distressed from being away from their human buddies.” Proving that felines are not “nice” to their owners because they want food or for any interest. Cats are loyal and care about their companions. Cats have been around for thousands of years and over those years they have become more used to human company (As also stated by Serpell), domestic cats are much different than their wild ancestors. According to Serpell, “In our behavior clinics we see many fewer cats than dogs, I’m talking like 95% dogs and 5% cats. I think this is related in part to the fact that there is much less expectation for cat behaviors.” This only furthers why people are so averted to cats.  

With that in mind, here are some cat fun facts you may or may not know: 

1. Cats can jump over six times their length. 
2. Cats always land on their feet because of their righting reflex which perfects itself at 6-9 weeks of age. When cats are falling, they are able to turn fast because of their flexible backbone and no functional clavicle.
3. Declawing (surgically removing a cat’s claws) is extremely dangerous and harmful. Cats are sensitive and this will hurt their paws. 
4. Because of their flexible spine and no clavicle they can fit through extremely tight spaces. 
5. Their whiskers help them analyze these spaces and tell them if they fit through them. If a cat is overweight, their whiskers will sense the space and tell them they can fit through, which can cause them to be stuck. 
6. Cats have nearly twice the amount of neurons compared to dogs. 
7. Cats can be left/right-pawed, some of them are ambidextrous. 
8. Cats are particular about their “bathroom”. Having more than one cat means one litter box for each. 
9. Cats don’t use the bathroom near their food. If your cat isn’t eating that could be the reason. 
10. Cats don’t usually drink water because their food is rich in liquids. However, if your cat’s diet is filled with dry food it is recommended that you provide flowing water. 
11. Slow blinks can mean a “kitty kiss”. 
12. Cats sometimes bring their owners dead animals because they see them as incapable of hunting and want to take care of them. They are also gifts. 
13. When cats hit you with retracted claws they’re only playing. 
14. A wagging tail may mean you are getting on their last nerve. 
15. Cats have up to 100 different vocalizations. 

So if you see a black cat, or any cat for that matter, walking in front of you don’t panic! They probably don’t want anything to do with you, but if they come to you, be gentle and understand their cues.