About Cats

Fun facts

• Cats can run up to 30 miles per hour for short distances.
• Cats were considered sacred to the ancient people in China and Egypt.
• Cats do not have a rigid collarbone like many mammals. This is why they are able to squeeze through small spaces.
• Cats can see much better than people in low light.

So many shapes, colors and sizes

There are many breeds of domestic cats, from long-haired Persians to hairless Sphinx. Why so many? Cats were domesticated, or tamed to be friendly with humans, in Egypt more than 5,000 years ago.

Tamed cats were later brought to Europe, Asia and then North America, where new breeds developed because of the different climate, environment and breeding with different local cats. We now see all sorts of cats like grey tabbies, black cats with white socks, tortoiseshell, orange striped and a lot of different combinations.

How long do cats live?

Cats who live indoors are much safer than cats who are allowed to go outside. If an indoor cat is cared for responsibly he or she can live to be 20 years or older. By making sure cats have good food, regular veterinary care, a loving family and kept indoors, they will live longer, healthier lives.

Meow, meow

Cats communicate in many ways. Besides the different sounds they make like purring, hissing or meowing, they also use different parts of their bodies to tell you if they are happy, scared or angry. Learn more about communicating with your cat on the Humane Society of the United States’ website.

Check out

Kitty Do’s to make sure you are providing the best care for your cat.
Kitty Don’ts to prevent problems by learning what isn’t good for your cat.