Cats are among the most popular pets in the world, thanks to their unique behaviour and character. Find out the most interesting facts about cats:

 

1. there are over 500 million domesticated cats in the world, including 33 different breeds.

2. cats can see in the dark because their eyes reflect the light, which means they can naturally only see when there is at least a weak light source. They can see in light conditions that are six times lower than those needed by humans to see.

3. cats have been kept as pets for at least 10,000 years.

4. a cat sleeps 13 to 14 hours a day and thus saves its energy.

5. a domesticated cat weighs on average 4 to 5 kilograms. The heaviest domesticated cat weighed 21.297 kilograms.

Cats have excellent ears and a very strong sense of smell.

Cats spend a lot of their time grooming. They lick their body fur with their rough tongues to remove dirt and bacteria.

8. its extremely flexible body allows the cat to hunt fast small animals such as rats and mice.

9. the cat is very good at sneaking. Its hind paws step on the exact same spot as its front paws, thus keeping tracks and noise to a minimum.

Playful fighting among kittens is a preparation for hunting prey.

11. older cats often behave aggressively towards kittens.

12. on average, a domesticated cat lives between 12 and 15 years.