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News •
Cat's Loving Gaze at Dog Goes Viral—'You Are Enough'• June 10, 2025, 8:24 AM ET (Newsweek)
Over 100 flights a day to be cancelled at Delhi airport for three-month runway upgradation; operator DIAL expects minimal disruption, says better prepared than in April• June 6, 2025, 5:05 AM ET (The Indian Express)
Short type gene variant associated with increased purring in domestic cats• May 30, 2025, 12:51 AM ET (News-Medical)
Cats distinguish their owner's scent from stranger's, study finds• May 29, 2025, 3:36 AM ET (BBC)
Your Cat May or May Not Love You, but It Knows Your Scent• May 28, 2025, 9:04 AM ET (New York Times)
Domestic cats, or Felis catus, have lived with humans for approximately 12,000 years, originating from the Middle Eastern wildcat, Felis sylvestris. They became valuable to agricultural societies for their rodent control abilities. Cats are known for their playful, sociable nature, and unique behaviors like purring and grooming. They have been revered in various cultures, notably in Ancient Egypt, where they were cherished and protected by law.
Facts
| Also Known As | Felis catus • domestic cat • house cat |
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Top Questions
Why do cats sleep so much?
Cats sleep 13-16 hours a day to conserve energy for hunting activities. They are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk, which necessitates long periods of rest.
Why do cats purr?
Purring is a unique vocal feature produced during the entire respiratory cycle (both inhaling and exhaling). It is thought to originate from the internal laryngeal muscles in the throat, which help control the opening and closing of the glottis. Purring can indicate contentment, but cats also purr when they are distressed, afraid, or sick.
What is the average weight of a domestic cat?
The average weight of a domestic cat ranges from 9 to 11 pounds, though this can vary based on breed, age, and overall health.
Why do cats knead?
Kneading serves multiple purposes: it stimulates milk production in kittens, marks territory through pheromones released from scent glands in the paws, and helps create a comfortable sleeping environment.
How long do cats live?
The average lifespan of an indoor cat is 13 to 17 years. With proper veterinary care and a balanced diet, some cats can live for 20 years or longer.
Did You Know?
- Cats have 32 muscles in each ear, allowing them to swivel their ears 180 degrees.
- The world's longest cat, a Maine Coon named Stewie, measured 48.5 inches.
- A house cat’s genome is 95.6% tiger, sharing behaviors like scent marking and prey stalking.
- Cats have an extra organ called the Jacobson's organ that allows them to taste scents in the air, which is why they sometimes stare with their mouths open.
- Cats spend 70% of their lives sleeping, totaling 13-16 hours daily.
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