The
backbone is held together by muscles, unlike humans, so it is very flexible.
It has up to 26 more vertebrae
than humans.
The front legs are connected
to the rest of the body by only one muscle.
The cat lacks the clavicle
(collarbone), so it can easy squeeze through small spaces. The
collar bone helps raise the forearm and since there is no need to raise
the forearm, the clavicle is not needed.
They have 30 teeth.
Normal temperature is 38.6
degrees Celsius.
Even though sweat glands
are scattered in the pads of their feet and body, it is not a temperature
regulating system.
Life expectancy is 10 to
16 years.
Use of Tail:
It
is used as a simple but extremely effective counterweight.
The tail will move to balance
cat (ex. on a tricky ledge)
Counterpart when the cat
is making quick turns while running at a high speed (ex. Clearly seen in
cheetahs when they are hunting at high speed).
Tail gives stability and
balance.
Intelligence:
Domestic
cats are no more/no less smarter than wild cats.
Domestic cats are more
versatile because of adaptations to urban life.
Senses:
The domestic cat is well
equipped to detect slight movements in semi darkness
They are very sensitive
to sound, including frequencies beyond human hearing.
Sense of smell isn't as
good as other senses.
Each cat purrs in a distinctive
pitch.
Human Interactions:
Having a cat as a pet teaches
responsibility to a child. It is also good for the social development of
the child.
Rubbing your legs with
its body, is the cat's way to greet humans. This behavior releases scent
which makes the cat more comfortable with the person.
Many stray cats live in
city pounds and due to overcrowding, many are put to death to make room
for other animals.
The cat was the last animal
to be domesticated.
"Having a cat is beneficial
to your health. Studies have shown that domesticated cats can reduce stress
levels in peoplewho have high pressured jobs or lifestyles and the've proven
to be goo therapy for people who have difficulties expressing their emotions."
-The Ultimate Guide To House Cats
Leading Death Among Cats: The leading death among domestic cats
is feline leukemia. Some information:
* Feline Leukemia is cancer in the blood cells. It causes fatal tumors
in almost all tissues and organs of the body.
* It impairs the cat's immune system, leaving it prone to other serious
diseases.
* A vaccine is available to lower the risk of getting the disease.
The Domestic Cat 