10 Facts About Cats

Published on 15 July 2025 at 08:00

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Cats are one of the most lovable creatures on Earth, with their playful antics and curious eyes, they melt hearts worldwide. However, cats are more than just cute, they’re fascinating creatures with unique personalities. Did you know that cats spend nearly one-third of their lives cleaning themselves? Or that they can’t taste sweetness? These are just a few of the many interesting facts about cats that will surprise and delight you. Whether you’re a cat lover or just someone who appreciates these adorable animals, these fun facts will deepen your understanding and appreciation for these furry friends.

1. Reduce of Heart Attack and Stroke

Did you know that owning a cat can greatly reduce the chance for heart attack and stroke?

Cat owners have lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol levels? These are all things that can increase your risk of heart disease. Cats are great companions and can help reduce stress, which is another risk factor for heart disease. This is likely due to the calming effect of pet companionship and the potential for stress reduction. So, if you’re thinking about getting a cat, it might be a good idea!

2. Female cats are typically right-pawed while male cats are typically left-pawed

Yes, studies suggest that female cats are more likely to be right-pawed, while male cats are more likely to be left-pawed. This is similar to humans, where males are more likely to be left-handed, although the difference in cats is more pronounced. However, not all cats will exhibit this preference, as some may be ambidextrous.

3. It was illegal to slay cats in ancient Egypt, in large part because they provided the great service of controlling the rat population

In ancient Egypt, it was against the law to hurt cats. You see, cats were super important because they kept the rodent population under control. Rodents were a big problem because they could ruin crops and spread diseases. Cats were like natural pest controllers!

4. Cats can change their meow to manipulate a human. They often imitate a human baby when they need food, for example

Cats have figured out how to meow better at getting our attention, especially when they want food or cuddles. Scientists say some cats have learned to change the pitch and volume of their meows, even imitating the cries of babies, to make us feel like they need us. This is a skill they learned, not something they do naturally with other cats.

5. Cats have detected their human’s breast cancer

Cats have been known to warn their owners about breast cancer. Although it’s not scientifically proven, many people say that some cats can sense changes in their owner’s scent or behavior that are linked to tumors. One story is about a woman whose cat, Mia, kept jumping on her chest, sniffing her breast, and acting strangely before a lump was found. This led to Mia getting a breast cancer diagnosis.

6. Black cats are bad luck in the United States, but they are good luck in the United Kingdom and Australia

While black cats are often associated with bad luck in the United States, they hold positive significance in the United Kingdom and Australia. In the UK, crossing paths with a black cat is considered a lucky omen, and they are even regarded as auspicious wedding gifts, as mentioned by Ark-Valley Humane Society. In Scotland, the arrival of a black cat at your doorstep is believed to bring prosperity. Similarly, in Australia, black cats are also seen as symbols of good fortune and protection.

7. Cats can’t taste sweetness

Cats lack a functional sweet taste receptor due to a genetic mutation that prevents them from producing the required proteins, as revealed in a study by NPR. Consequently, they don’t experience the sensation of sweetness that humans and numerous other animals do.

8. The world’s richest cat is worth $13 million after his human passed away and left her fortune to him

Tommaso, a black cat from Italy, became one of the world’s wealthiest pets after inheriting a staggering $13 million from his late owner, Maria Assunta. A wealthy widow, Assunta passed away in 2011, leaving her entire fortune to Tommaso, ensuring his luxurious care. The inheritance included not only cash but also properties in Rome, Milan, and land in Calabria.

9. Cats are typically lactose intolerant

Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. After weaning, they lose the ability to produce lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose (a sugar found in milk). This can cause digestive problems like diarrhea, vomiting, and an upset stomach if they consume dairy products.

10. Cats and humans have nearly identical sections of the brain that control emotion

Cats and humans share remarkably similar brain structures, particularly in the regions responsible for processing emotions. Both species possess the same lobes in the cerebral cortex, including the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and temporal lobe. Moreover, the manner in which these regions communicate, utilizing neurotransmitters, is also remarkably similar. Consequently, cats, akin to humans, can experience a diverse range of emotions and process them in a comparable manner.