Section 10
Cat Facts & Curiosities
Fascinating, science-based answers to the questions every new cat owner wonders about — from purring and whiskers to boxes, catnip and the zoomies.
Why Do Cats Purr? The Science Behind the Sound
How cats physically make a purr, why they purr when happy — and when stressed or in pain — the "solicitation purr", and what we know about purring and healing.
How Cats See, Hear, Smell and Taste the World
Night vision, color vision, super-hearing, a nose that out-smells ours many times over, and why cats can't taste sweet: a beginner's guide to cat senses.
Why Do Cats Sleep So Much? Cat Sleep Explained
How many hours cats sleep, why they nap so much, light sleep vs deep sleep, do cats dream, best sleeping spots, and when sleeping changes signal a health problem.
Catnip Explained: How It Works, Is It Safe, and Alternatives
Why catnip makes cats roll, rub and zoom, why some cats don't react, how to use it safely, and alternatives like silvervine, valerian and Tatarian honeysuckle.
Cat Whiskers Explained: What They Do and Why You Should Never Trim Them
How cat whiskers work as high-tech sensors, where cats have them, what whisker positions say about mood, whisker fatigue, shedding, and why trimming is harmful.
10 Weird Cat Behaviors Explained: Boxes, Kneading, "Gifts" and More
Why cats love boxes, knead blankets, bring you dead mice, get the zoomies, sit on your laptop, chatter at birds, eat grass and drink from the tap — explained.
20 Surprising Cat Facts Every New Owner Should Know
Fascinating, true cat facts for beginners: why orange cats are usually male, cats can't taste sweet, kittens' blue eyes, nose prints, the oldest cat ever and more.
Curious about your own cat?
Find out your cat's age in human years with the cat age calculator, or learn to read their signals in cat body language.