15 facts about cats everyone should know

Our feline friends may be champions of mystery, but with a whopping 370 million pet cats in the world, we thought it was high time we found out a little more about them! Whether you’re showing off your knowledge to a purr parent or clawing your way to the top of the trivia table, here are 15 facts about cats everyone should know.

15 fun facts about cats

From hilarious cat facts that’ll tickle your whiskers to interesting facts about cats that’ll blow your mind, this cat fact file dives deep into everything you didn’t know (but wish you did) about our feline friends…

1. The oldest cat lived 38 years

Creme Puff holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest cat ever, reaching the ripe old age of 38. Considering most cats live just 12-18 years, what was her secret? Owner Jake Perry credited her longevity to a rather unusual diet of cat food, broccoli, turkey bacon, coffee with cream, and the occasional splash of red wine. Talk about living nine lives to the fullest!

2. Most cats are lactose intolerant

Contrary to what the cartoons will make you believe, most cats are actually lactose intolerant. This fascinating cat fact means our furry felines are unable to break down the lactose in dairy products, so that bowl of milk isn’t the tasty treat it’s often made out to be!

3. Cats could give Usain Bolt a run for his money

Literally – house cats can hit speeds of 30mph – that’s faster than Olympic champion Usain Bolt, who currently holds the record at 27.33mph! The cat characteristics of powerful, muscular legs and a streamlined, aerodynamic bodymake them the ultimate feline Ferraris.

4. A meow may be worth a million dollars

When it comes to amazing facts about cats, did you know that some felines are wealthier than most humans? Blackie, the richest cat on record, inherited $12.5 million when his owner, antiques dealer Ben Rea, died in 1988. Not to be outdone, Choupette (Karl Lagerfeld’s fashion-forward feline) reportedly inherited around $13 million, while Taylor Swift’s cat, Olivia Benson, is thought to be worth nearly $100 million! 

5. Cats have one thing in common with camels and giraffes

Giraffes, camels, and cats walk the same way: they move their front paws together, then their back paws, all in perfect unison. This graceful gait keeps them stable and stealthy, and they’re the only animals that walk this way.

6. One Insta-famous feline has 5 million followers

Thanks to her millions of fans, Nala Cat is thought to earn a cool $6,000 per post – which means she could be well on her way to becoming the richest cat in the world, too! She may be a star now, but Nala came from humble beginnings – adopted from a shelter at just four months old, she’s proof that it’s a cat’s world, and we’re just living in it!

7. Cats spend 70% if their lives sleeping

Whether you’re a pet parent or a seasoned cat sitter, you’ve probably noticed your feline friends tend to clock quite a lot of time in the land of nod. That’s right, cats snooze for somewhere between 12-20 hours each day, which adds up to roughly 70% of their lives! What does all that beauty sleep prep them for? The next hunting spree, of course (or snack).

Looking for a cat sitter for your whiskered family member? Our loving, in-home sitters are here to pam-purr your precious pal with round-the-clock care, cuddles, and attention. Whether it’s chin scratches, playtime, or just keeping the kibble coming, we’ve got it covered so you can travel with peace of mind knowing your kitty is in the best hands!

8. A green kitty was born in Denmark

Here’s a quirky addition to this list of facts about cats: In 1995, Denmark welcomed “Miss Greeny” to the world – a kitten born with emerald-green fur and claws. Was she a superhero in disguise? Nope – her unique color was caused by the presence of copper in the local water supply, and her green fur gradually faded over time.

9. Purrs have healing powers

Cats don’t just purr for attention – their soothing vibrations (20-140hz) are scientifically proven to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and even heal injuries. Who needs a spa day when you’ve got a purring lap warmer?

10. Each cat’s nose has a unique print

Looking for cool facts about cats? If your kitty ever commits a felinony (feline felony?), we’d just need their nose print to crack the case. Why? Each cat has a completely different pattern of ridges and bumps on their nose, much like a human’s fingerprints.

11. There was once a feline mayor

A cat named Mr. Stubbs rose to paw-litical power when he was elected honorary mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska, in 1997. With no worthy human candidates, Mr. Stubbs held his position for 20 years, and became a great tourist attraction while he was at it.

12. Cats were sacred in Ancient Egyptian times

Want to learn all about cats in ancient history? First off, they were seen as symbols of divinity and protection in Ancient Egypt, and harming a cat was even considered a crime. They were also valued for their ability to control pests and were often buried alongside their humans.

13. The world’s longest domesticated cat measured 123cm

At 123cm (48.4 inches) from nose to tail, Stewie holds the Guinness World Record for being the longest domestic cat. This gentle giant also had the longest tail on record and served as a therapy animal, spreading joy wherever he padded.

14. Cats have made pawprints in space

Forget astronauts – meet Astrocat! In October of 1963, a Parisian stray called Félicette became the first (and only) cat in space.

15. Cats can’t taste sweet things

Cats can’t taste sweet things – their taste buds just aren’t built for it. But don’t feel bad for them; the Jacobson’s organ (located between the nasal cavity and the roof of the mouth) lets them “taste” smells, giving them sensory superpowers we can only dream of.

Whether they’re breaking records, ruling towns, or even healing our bones, these amazing cat facts prove our feline friends are nothing short of extraordinary!