My Top 10 Incredible Facts about Cats
Cats are such a joy to paint and draw—but they’re also fascinating animals to study scientifically. In fact, researchers are still uncovering new details about them every year. Here are my top 10 “wow” facts about cats that highlight their mysterious nature:
1. Every cat’s nose print is unique
Just like human fingerprints, no two cat nose patterns are the same! In theory, you could even use them to identify your cat!
A couple more nosey facts:
Cats have around 200 million scent receptors—more than most dogs.
Cats can recognise you by smell.
Cats greet each other by sniffing noses.
2. A cat is 95.6% tiger
Your fluffy house cat has more in common with a tiger than you might expect. Genetically, they share almost 96% of their DNA. I did a picture for A level art “a half cat half tiger” to show the wild nature of cats.
Domestic cats descended from the African wildcat, a solo hunter that became domesticated 3,600 B.C. when they moved into human settlements to catch mice. Over time, they became the cats we know today.
3. Cats know your name
Studies have shown that cats are cleverer than they let on. They can recognise not only their own names but those of other cats and yours as well!
However, while dogs usually come when called, cats often… don’t. They know you’re calling them—they just have other plans.
I heard this analogy recently:
“Imagine dogs as that eager student who is always raising their hand in class. While cats are like that genius sitting at the back, pretending not to pay attention but absorbing everything.”
4. Cats move in mysterious ways
Watch closely the next time your cat walks across the room. Some say they walk uniquely like camels and giraffes, but while they do move both left legs and then both right legs, most four-legged animals do that.
What they do do however, that is pretty unique, is place their back feet in the exact same spot their front paws just left. This helps them walk silently and precisely, perfect for stalking prey.
That balance and grace is why cats can stroll along narrow fences with ease. Fun fact: the term catwalk originally referred to slim passageways on ships that looked so narrow you would think only a cats could walk along it. It was then used for walkways in theatres and fashion shows.
5. The world’s oldest cat
The oldest cat ever recorded was “Crème Puff,” who took 38 years to use up his nine lives. By comparison, the oldest dog, Bobi, reached 31.
Most cats live 13–20 years, though that’s gradually increasing thanks to better care. My own cat Titus just turned 14, so I’m hoping for many more birthdays to come!
For context: the world’s oldest living land animal today is Jonathan, a giant tortoise at 190 years old! Sea creatures live a lot longer and some, like the Turritopsis dohrnii jelly fish are thought to be effectively immortal.
6. Cats spend 70% of their lives sleeping
Cats sleep 13–16 hours a day. Their ancestors only needed short bursts of intense energy to hunt, followed by long periods of rest to digest food.
Their body temperature is naturally higher than ours, which helps them react quickly—but burns more energy. Hence, all those naps and why Titus loves sitting in the sun or curling up by the fire.
7. A group of cats is called a “clowder”
You’ve probably heard of a “murder” of crows or a “pod” of dolphins. But did you know a group of cats can be called a clowder?
Other fun options: “clutter,” “glaring,” or “pounce.” A group of kittens, meanwhile, is a kindle.
One of my favourite collective nouns, though, is a “crash” of rhinos!
8. Cats don’t have a sweet tooth
Unlike most mammals, cats can’t taste sweetness. They’re obligate carnivores, and sugar offers them no nutritional benefit. Too much carbs can even be detrimental to their health.
They also have only 500 taste buds, compared to up to 10,000 in humans. That’s why your cat won’t be tempted by cake—though it’s still best to keep dangerous foods like chocolate far away from them.
9. The loudest cats purr
Well, at least one could. The loudest recorded purr measured 67.8 decibels—about the same as a vacuum.
Cats purr when they’re happy, but also when anxious or in pain. It’s a bit like humans whistling—we do it when content, but also to comfort ourselves.
Interestingly, their purrs vibrate between 25–150 Hz, a range that some scientists suggest may promote healing in bones and tissues.
10. The worlds wealthiest cat
Wealthy people are sometimes negatively referred to as “fat cats”, but there have been some actual cats who have become very rich. Karl Lagerfeld’s famous cat, Choupette, earned millions in modelling deals and inherited even more in his will.
But the record goes to Blackie, who inherited over £20 million, making him the richest cat in the world. Most of the money went to cat charities as cat’s can’t really own anything, but rest assured that enough was left to keep Blackie pampered for life.
Bonus fact: The heaviest domestic cat on record was Meow, who weighed in at a whopping 18 kilograms (39 lbs)!
One final cat fact
I hope you’ve enjoyed these incredible cat facts! One more fact. I’ve drawn 56 cat commissions since starting my pet portrait business and you can see some of them above. I really love drawing cats so if you would like me to create a stunningly detailed drawing of your fascinating feline, then do please do get in touch.