Cat Facts
Cats are closely related to the Tiger, Lion, and others of the large family Felidae. This family includes from 50 to 60 species. The scientific name of the domestic cat is Felis Domesticus.
All cats are Carnivores, that is, flesh eaters. They eat meat rather than roots or grain. Most cats will eat grass but they do not digest it. Some say it is the cat’s way of using “Natural Medicine” though grass has not been proven of any medicinal effects.
The cat’s jaws are strong and equipped with 30 specialized teeth. The pointed Canines and the blade-like Carnassials are used to cut and tear tough meat into chunks small enough to swallow. Peculiar though, the pieces of meat are swallowed without further chewing.
The cat’s tongue is rough. It can feel like sandpaper if one is getting a licking from a cat. It is so because it is covered by horny projections that enable the cat to lap up its food. They also help the cat wash itself by picking off bits of dirt, as well as making the cat spotlessly clean. Having instincts like that of a hunter that waits for its prey, they must have no odor to warn its victims of its presence.
Close inspection will show how ideally suited the cat is for its life as a hunter. The back is long and flexible with powerful muscles. The cat can make leaps seven feet in the air. Its ability to always land on its feet is widely known. The long tail helps balance the cat as it jumps. Perfect muscular control gives the cat speed, grace, and delicacy of movement equaled by no other animal.
All cats and their family members, except the Cheetah, have retractable claws. They can extend or draw them back at will. There are 18 claws, 5 on each forefoot and 4 on each hind foot. The cat’s paw is almost as useful as a hand. With the forepaws the cat washes it’s face and ears, defends itself, or plays with moving objects.
Copyright © 1958 Edition Compton’s Encyclopædia.
If you’ve got a cat of your own, you should look into buying a pet insurance policy. By getting pet insurance you’ll be protecting yourself from sudden health emergencies your pet may have. When you decide to buy health insurance you should begin by comparing the pet insurance policies because there are many different types.
