Soft fur, bright eyes, a tail that swishes like a question mark — a cat is one of the most popular pets in the whole world. But cats are not like dogs. A dog wants to be your best friend all day long. A cat is more like a polite neighbour who visits when it feels like it — and then decides to stay for a nap on your lap. Let us find out what makes cats so special.
From wild hunters to house cats
Cats are descended from a wild animal called the African wildcat, which still lives in Africa today. Thousands of years ago, people began to store grain, and the grain attracted mice. The wildcats came to hunt the mice, and people were happy to let them stay — a cat that catches mice is a very useful friend!
Over time, the friendliest wildcats moved into people's homes and became the pet cats we know today. But cats have kept much of their wild nature. Even a small pet cat is still a hunter at heart, with sharp claws, quick reflexes and a love of chasing things that move.
Eyes that see in the dark
Cats are famous for seeing in the dark, and it is almost true! A cat cannot see in total darkness, but it can see very well in dim light — much better than we can. That is because a cat's eyes are built to gather every tiny bit of light. Their pupils can open very wide at night, like opening a window to let in more light.
Cats also have a special shiny layer behind their eyes that bounces light back, which is why a cat's eyes seem to glow when a light shines on them at night. This helps cats hunt at dawn and dusk, when mice and birds are moving around.
Whiskers: the cat's secret tool
Look closely at a cat's face and you will see long, stiff whiskers sticking out from its cheeks. Whiskers are not just for show — they are a cat's secret tool. Whiskers are so sensitive that they can feel the tiniest puff of air. A cat uses its whiskers to feel its way in the dark and to judge whether it can fit through a narrow gap. If the whiskers fit, the cat fits!
Cats also have whiskers above their eyes and on the backs of their front legs. These help them feel their way around and catch prey in the dark.
The purr: a cat's happy song
When a cat is happy and relaxed, it purrs — a soft, rattling sound that vibrates through its whole body. A mother cat purrs to her kittens, and kittens purr back to her. Cats also purr when they are scared or hurt, because purring helps them feel calm and safe. It is like a cat giving itself a hug.
A cat's purr is one of the most soothing sounds in the world. Many people say that holding a purring cat makes them feel calm and happy too.
The great hunters
Even the laziest house cat is a hunter. Watch a cat play with a toy, and you will see the whole hunt: it crouches low, wiggles its bottom, stares with huge eyes, and then — pounce! It grabs the toy with its front paws and kicks it with its back legs, just as a wild cat would catch a mouse.
Cats are brilliant hunters because they are patient, quiet and very fast. They can jump many times their own height, twist in the air to land on their feet, and run in short, speedy bursts. That is why it is so important to give a pet cat toys to play with — play is practice for the hunt, and it keeps a cat happy and healthy.
Sleep, sleep and more sleep
Cats are champion sleepers. A pet cat can sleep for most of the day — sometimes up to 16 hours! Cats sleep in the sunniest spot in the house, curled up in a ball, stretched out long, or tucked into a box that is far too small. In the wild, cats save their energy during the day so they can hunt at dawn and dusk, when their prey is awake.
A sleeping cat is not being lazy — it is recharging its batteries for the next big adventure.
Talking cat: tails, ears and meows
Cats talk with their whole bodies. A tail held high means "I am happy to see you". A tail that swishes quickly from side to side means "I am annoyed — leave me alone!" Ears pointing forward mean the cat is curious, and ears flattened back mean it is scared or angry.
And then there is the meow. Did you know that adult cats almost never meow at each other? Meowing is a special language that cats invented just for humans! A cat meows to ask for food, to say hello, or to tell you that it wants to go outside. Each cat has its own meow, and owners soon learn what their cat is asking for.
How to look after your cat
A cat needs fresh water and good food every day, a clean litter tray, a warm place to sleep, and visits to the vet to stay healthy. Cats groom themselves by licking their fur clean, but they still like a gentle brush — and it is a lovely way to spend time together.
Most of all, a cat needs respect. Let the cat come to you when it wants a cuddle, and let it walk away when it has had enough. Be patient and kind, and your cat will choose you as its favourite person — and there is no greater honour than being chosen by a cat.
Fun facts about cats
- Cats are descended from the African wildcat.
- A cat can see much better than a human in dim light.
- Whiskers help a cat feel its way and judge narrow gaps.
- Cats purr when they are happy — and also when they want to feel calm.
- Adult cats meow mostly to talk to humans, not to other cats!
