Do Cats Sense Things Like People Do?
Cats have the same five basic senses as humans, but they differ in function and sensitivity. Some cat senses are much stronger than human senses.
Vision
Cats have excellent vision. They can see more details than dogs, which helps them judge speed and distance well—important skills for hunters. In low light, cats can see 6 times better than people, which is why people often say that cats can see in the dark.
Hearing
Cats also have better hearing than people and even most dogs. Their ears help them locate sounds, which is useful for hunting. When they hear something, cats often turn their heads to figure out where the sound is coming from.
Special structures in the inner ear that help with balance are highly developed in cats, making them very agile. Cats can rapidly right themselves when falling, which is why people often say cats always land on their feet.
Smell
A cat's sense of smell is much stronger than a person's. Even so, cats don’t rely on their sense of smell as much as some other animals do. Like people, cats can be picky about smells, and they often try to cover up bad odors by digging and burying them with their feet. Smell is also important for their sense of taste.
What Do Cats Use Their Claws For?
Cats have thick pads on their paws that help them grip different surfaces. They also have sharp, curved claws, which help them catch prey and defend themselves. Unlike dogs, cats can retract their claws.
Cats often scratch furniture or other materials to keep their claws sharp and to remove outgrown, old layers. Providing scratching posts and regularly trimming your cat's nails can help prevent damage to furniture and other surfaces. Trimming must be done carefully to avoid cutting the sensitive, pink area in the nail called the "quick," which has blood vessels in it and which can bleed a lot if nicked.
Declawing is a surgical procedure in which a cat’s toe bones and claws are removed, and it's not usually necessary. In some US states, declawing has been outlawed because it is considered inhumane. Ask your veterinarian about alternatives to declawing.
Why Do Cats Have Fur and Whiskers?
Cats' fur protects their skin from the sun, cold, scratches, and insect bites. It also helps them regulate their body temperature and enhances their sense of touch.
Cats have whiskers that are sensitive and help them judge the size of openings, like holes where rodents might be hiding. They can also raise their fur to help with temperature control or as a warning sign when they feel threatened.
Different cat breeds have different types of fur. Some have long hair (like Persians), while others have short hair (like Abyssinians).
Cats shed hair throughout the year, but the amount depends on the weather, their diet, and their health. Outdoor cats tend to shed more in autumn and spring. Stress (like a trip to the vet) can also increase shedding. Excessive shedding or bald patches could be signs of illness.
What's Unique About a Cat's Teeth and Tongue?
Cats are carnivores, so their teeth are sharp and pointy to capture prey and eat meat. They have 26 baby teeth that are replaced by 30 adult teeth between the ages of 5 and 7 months.
Cats' tongues help them move food to the back of their throats and are also used for lapping water. The surface of a cat's tongue feels rough like sandpaper because it is covered with tiny spines called "papillae," which help them pick up small pieces of food when eating and trap loose fur when grooming.
