Cats are fascinating creatures. They're cute, cuddly, and often have more personality than some people you might know. But what about the stranger side of felines? The bits that might not come up during polite conversation or on a first date? Fear not, dear readers! The Wibble has scoured the web to bring you the top ten weirdest obscure facts about cats - everything from their strange habits to their downright oddball physiology.
To start off with, did you know that cats have a third eyelid? Yes, that's right - it's called the nictitating membrane. It's a thin layer of tissue that comes up from the corner of their eye to protect and moisten the eye. Don't believe us? Take a quick peek next time you're face-to-face with your kitty.
From something you probably didn't know about their eyes to something you didn't expect about their paws; did you know that cats' paw pads can actually sweat? Unlike humans, cats don't have sweat glands all over their bodies - just in their paw pads. So if you ever notice little paw prints on a hot day, don't fret - it's just your cat's natural cooling system.
Next up, we have something that cat owners probably already knew: cats are crepuscular animals. What on earth does that mean, you might ask? It means that they're most active during twilight hours - dawn and dusk. Sure, they might nap all day and have bursts of energy at night, but this is because they're hardwired to hunt around that time. It's just their natural schedule, even if it's not yours.
Here's one that you might not know - cats' tongues are covered in tiny little hooks that face towards the back of their throat. These are called papillae, and they're what make your cat's tongue feel like sandpaper. They're also what help cats groom themselves so efficiently - those tiny hooks act like a comb, pulling out any loose fur or debris.
Our next fact might seem a little weird, but it's true - if your cat is relaxed and happy around you, it might blink slowly at you. This is called a 'cat kiss', a sign of trust and affection in the feline world. So next time your kitty gives you a blink, don't be afraid to blink back and show them some love.
Have you ever heard of a 'murder floof'? That's what we call a group of cats. It might sound made up, but it's true - a group of cats is actually called a clowder. And let's face it, 'murder floof' just sounds more enticing.
Here's a fun fact - cats can't taste sweet things! They're missing the genes necessary to taste sweet flavors. So don't bother giving your kitty that chocolate bar as a special treat.
Did you know that most cats are lactose intolerant? Despite what you might have seen in cartoons, milk can actually upset their stomachs. If you're looking for a special treat for your feline friend, try sticking to plain old water or a special cat-friendly treat from the pet store.
Our second to last fact is perhaps one of the weirdest - cats have an extra organ called the Jacobson's organ. This is a special gland in their mouth that helps them analyze scents. When your cat is sniffing something intently, you might see them make a funny face - that's them using their Jacobson's organ to analyze the smells around them.
And finally, we couldn't leave this one out - did you know that a cat named Stubbs was once elected mayor of an Alaskan town? Yes, really! In 1997, residents of Talkeetna, Alaska weren't interested in either of the human candidates vying for the mayoral position, so they decided to elect a cat instead. Stubbs served as honorary mayor for 20 years, until his death in 2017.
And there you have it, folks - the top ten weirdest obscure facts about cats. Did you know all of them? Have any