Cats are one of the most beloved animals in the world. They are graceful, agile and playful, and they make wonderful companions. There are also many intriguing facts about cats that you might not know! From their amazing sense of smell to their extraordinary jumping abilities, here are the Top 15 Facts about cats.
The main difference between a cat’s and a human’s vision is their retina. That is a layer of tissue located at the back of the eye that contains photoreceptor cells. Cats have more rods that are responsible for better peripheral and night vision. These rods detect shades of gray and brightness. A higher concentration of rods results in a better vision.
Cats have a very flexible musculoskeletal system that gives them very strong coordination and balance. Strong muscles in the hindquarters and back enable them to leap six times higher than their own height – up to four to five feet. They can jump high horizontally or vertically.
Kittens have 26 milk or deciduous teeth, including 12 incisors, four canines, ten premolars, and zero molars. By adulthood, cats have 30 permanent teeth. They grow four molars at the age of four to five months, adding up to a total of 30.
According to scientists, the reason for this is a genetic mutation that affects the main taste receptors. Unlike most mammals, cats have taste receptors that only prefer meat. 
This phenomenon is known as “direct registering.” The cat uses a “pacing” gait and moves both legs on one side of the body before the legs on the other side. This type of movement enables them with a sure footing for hind paws when they are treading on rough terrain.
Cats have curved retractable claws and stronger hind legs. These features make it easier for them to climb up than climb down. They are agile climbers when going up a tree, but the same does not apply when they climb down. Unlike squirrels, they cannot get back down headfirst from a tree.
A white-colored pigment develops right in the womb along with the spine cells. It later moves all the way to the front. Sometimes, this pigment stops mid-way, resulting in color at the top and white color at the bottom.
Cats sweat very little. It is just a fraction of what humans do.
The sweat glands are present on the toes and paw pads in cats. They perspire through them only when they are frightened or stressed.
The process of a cat getting ready to have kittens is called “queening.” Female cats keep going into heat every two to three weeks, making them ready to get pregnant much more often than desired. They can get pregnant as early as four months of age, and only spaying can prevent this.
As cats attain the ability to get pregnant when they are as young as four months, they have a higher birth cycle. Cats go into heat every two to three weeks. Each litter has on average four kittens, but some cats may even give birth to up to 12 kittens in a single litter.
The “primordial pouch” is positioned along the length of a cat’s belly. This pouch protects the internal organs by adding an extra layer between claws/teeth and the organs. Another theory states that this pouch stretches as the cat runs, enabling them to be more flexible and to move faster.
It is not unusual to find a cat squeezing its head through a very tiny hole. The reason behind this is that cats do not have any collarbone and so, they can easily squeeze in their heads through a smaller hole. 
While us humans have 206 bones, cats on average have 244. It ranges between 230-250 depending on how long a cat’s tail is and how many toes the cat has. Adult cats have 30 teeth, while kittens have 26 A house cat is genetically 95.6% tiger. Cats can run around 48 kph (30 mph), but only over short distances. A house cat could beat superstar runner Usain Bolt in the 200 meter dash. Cats can jump 5 times their height.
Some cats have more than 18 toes.
Cats who have more than 18 toes are called “polydactyl.” Cats have extra toes because of a genetic mutation that results in a dominant gene being transferred down the family tree.
Cats’ biological body functions differ from humans. Their bodies can process saltwater. The cats have strong kidneys that can filter the salt from seawater and use the filtered water for hydration. But, this being said, they cannot survive alone on saltwater and food. Continual intake of too much salt can take a toll on their kidneys. If caught in a difficult situation, a cat can thrive on saltwater for a few days. 
