Orbs 'r' Us

CAT FACTS

-Cats purr at the same frequency as an idling diesel engine, about 26 cycles per second. Domestic cats purr both when inhaling and exhaling. Purring does not always indicate that a cat is happy and healthy - some cats will purr loudly when they are terrified or in pain.

-Cats step with both left legs then the right legs when they walk or run. They also walk on their toes. A domestic cat can sprint at about 31 mph.

-Cats urine glows under a black light.

-Almost 10% of a cat's bones are in its tail and the tail is used to maintain balance. The domestic cat is the only species able to hold its tail vertically while walking and you can tell a cats present state of mind by observing the posture of his tail. A cat can jump 5 times as high as its tail.

- If a cat is frightened, the hair stands up fairly evenly all over the body; when the cat threatens or is ready to attack, the hair stands up only in a narrow band along the spine and tail.

- If a cat is frightened, put your hand over its eyes and forehead, or let him bury its head in your armpit and it will help to calm it.

-Cats respond most readily to names that end in an "ee" sound.

-A cat will tremble or shiver when it is in extreme pain.

-Not every cat gets "high" from catnip. If the cat doesn't have a specific gene, it won't react. Catnip is non-addictive.

-Many cats only like having their foreheads gently stroked [don't touch their back and hips], others may prefer to have their sides "thumped" [like some dogs do] and others like a gently stroking from head to tail. Not all cats are petted the same...test your cat to see what they prefer. This also goes for how each cat likes to be held.