How well do you know your cat? Fun facts for feline owners

The domestic cat or house cat is one of the most popular pets adored by many for their varied personalities, intelligence and self-reliance.  

September is Happy Cat Month which spreads awareness about the importance of cats as companions, as well as ways to keep them healthy and general education about our feline friends.

Here are a few fun facts about cats you probably didn’t know:  

• Does your cat remind you of those out in the wild? A house cat’s genome is 95.6 per cent tiger, and they share many behaviours with their jungle ancestors. 
• We know some cats have an attitude, which is why cats find it threatening when you make direct eye contact with them. 
• Cats are serious about having their own litter box, but you should know our feline friends can also be toilet trained once you have the patience.  
• Avoid giving excess dairy products as many cats are actually lactose intolerant.  
• Reaching surprising heights, cats can jump up to six times their length.  
• Cats are hardly attracted to sweet foods as they don’t have any sweet receptors on their tongues.  
• Cats are most active at dawn and dusk.  
• In addition to being amazing climbers, some cats can also swim.  
• Your cat is more likely to live longer if you let them stay indoors.  
• A cat will mark you as their territory using their scent glands which are located on its face and body, by rubbing against you.  

Source: Charlottesville Cat Care Clinic