Cats

The cats. Mininos, michinos, michis, misos... these animals receive so many other names that it could take several minutes to compile them all, and surely some of them would escape us. For years, together with dogs, it has shared the position of being the pet of many families. And it is that there are those who opt for a dog, or do it for a cat as usual when it comes to having a pet.

But what do you know about cats? What about the types of cats that exist? In this section we seek to inform you of everything that has happened to this feline. Find out everything about him!

The characteristics of cats

The cat's scientific name is Patas, however, it is one that almost no one knows him for. It is part of the Felidae family and has a weight between 2,5 and 7 kilos, although, there are specimens that can be much heavier, even up to more than 12 kilos. Medium in size, their measurements are between 40 and 50 centimeters, although we must tell you that there are cases in which they do not reach that length, and others go by a lot.

However, what most characterizes cats is undoubtedly their agility and flexibility. Are capable of contorting their body in unsuspected ways, being able to enter through holes in which you would not think it would fit, or to jump considerable heights thanks to its legs.

Of all its body, the head and tail is what stands out the most. Regarding the head, it has pointed ears capable of hearing directionally, in addition to moving them separately and being one of the organs it uses to communicate (for example, when it is afraid or angry, its ears tend to bend back).

At the same time, It has sharp fangs and its tongue is rough to the touch., but for them it is very useful as it helps them remove the meat and skin from the bones of their prey, as well as remove dead hair from their body. The eyesight of cats, contrary to what happens with dogs, is more developed, having not only better night vision than that of a human, but also the ability to distinguish colors, especially green, red or blue. But where it stands out is in the ear, much sharper to perceive sounds that go unnoticed for us.

As for their fur, cats can be a solid color (white, black, etc.) or two colors. Usually the pattern they follow is black and white, orange and white, brown and white, or gray and white. However, due to mutations and experimentation, today there are also tricolor cats, or with four colors, an anomaly that only arises in the case of females.

Something you may not know is that cats walk on their toes, not just the pad itself (or the whole leg), which is why they are so quiet. In addition, they are able to walk by stepping only on the tracks left by the front legs because the rear ones are almost always placed in the same place where the front ones have been. These legs have retractable claws that, while not showing them, are covered in skin and fur. That way, they take care that they don't wear out. However, it is necessary for them to sharpen them often to keep them in good condition.

The life expectancy of cats is between 12 and 14 years. There are cases in which they have lived much longer, as is the case of someone who holds a Guinness Record because his life was extended by a total of 38 years. This takes place when the cat is well cared for and avoids going outside, problems with other cats, sterilizations, etc.

the behavior of a cat

Cats are independent animals, but this does not mean that they will not show you their affection. On the contrary. For them, human beings are part of their “family”. In fact, with one of them you can establish a "special" relationship, seeing him as a father or a mother (and thus extending the "puppy" period more than if he were a stray animal).

However, yes they need their space. They like to play, but when they want to, and they spend most of the day sleeping. They are silent (except in mating season) and generally adapt to the lifestyle that is led.

Cat breeds

According to International Feline Federation, better known as FIFe, a total of 43 cat breeds are currently recognized. However, if we look at the International Cat Association (TICA), it provides that there are 71 breeds. While the Cat Fancier's Association (FCA) speaks of 44 or the Encyclopedia Britannica, which says there are 15.

Indeed, there are about 350 different breeds of cats. But these are included in the different groups in a different way since there are not only races for them, but also sub-races among which almost all of them would fit (which is not because they do not meet the standards or requirements to be considered as such). .

Thus, among the different breeds of cats that you find, are:

• Norwegian forest cat.
• Manx.
• Siberian cat.
• ocicat.
• lykoi.
• Sphynx or sphinx.
• bobtail.
• Wildcat.
• Bengal cat.
• Abyssinian.
• Maine Coons.
• European.
• Himalayan.
• ...

Curiosities about cats

We can tell you many curious things about cats, but of all of them, we have selected some that you may not have heard of.

For example, the myth that all cats land on their feet. And it is not true. Although cats have a reflex system by which they are able to right themselves when they fall to end up on their feet, they do not always succeed before reaching the ground. And falls can cause serious injuries, which is why care must be taken.

Despite that flexibility that we mentioned at the beginning, and the agility they have to get into all corners, you should know that They have more bones than humans. While a person has 206 bones, in the case of cats these are 230.

And have you ever seen a cat without whiskers? Although it may be because you accidentally cut them, the truth is that they fall off periodically, only to grow back later. In fact, it is recommended not to cut them because they use them to orient themselves and move, and if they do not have them, they may find themselves more clueless or clumsy.