8 Hidden Secrets of Cats: Unveiling the Secret Weapons of Your Feline Companion
As a cat owner, do you think you know your feline companion inside and out? Are you aware of the hidden secrets they carry? Today, we'll unveil eight secrets about cats that you might have never noticed, helping you understand your furry friend even better.
1. The Vomeronasal Organ: A Mysterious "Smell Detector"
You might wonder how cats can distinguish smells. Beyond their nose, they have a secret weapon—the vomeronasal organ, also known as the Jacobson's organ. This tiny button-like organ located in the front of the nasal cavity receives and transmits scent signals. When a cat opens its mouth and exposes this little "button," it's using its vomeronasal organ to detect scents. This unique olfactory system allows cats to perceive scents that we humans can't, such as the scents of other cats, pheromones, and potential dangers.
2. The Pouch: The Flexible "Abdominal Secret"
Cats have a small flap of skin on their abdomen called the pouch. This inconspicuous pouch hides a secret weapon. It stores extra skin and fat, giving the cat's abdomen greater flexibility. This allows them to move freely during jumps, runs, and hunts, preventing injuries to the abdomen and heart. The pouch also stores energy, providing a boost when needed.
3. The Pinna: A Sensitive "Hearing Amplifier"
When someone asks you how many ears your cat has, don't answer "two"! Cats actually have four ears. Besides the two visible ears, they have two tiny pinnae located at the base of the ears. These minuscule pinnae collect sounds from the environment and amplify them, enabling cats to hear more clearly and better perceive changes in their surroundings. The larger the pinnae, the better the cat's hearing, allowing them to detect prey and potential threats promptly.
4. The Heel Pads: Precise "Balance Sensors"
On the bottom of a cat's paws, there's a small fleshy pad called the heel pad. Surrounding this pad are numerous small sensory hairs. These hairs help cats measure the size of holes, sense changes in air currents, and maintain balance when jumping from high places, protecting their ankles from injury. This allows cats to navigate various terrains with agility and jump and land safely.
5. The Anal Glands: Chemical Message "Transmitters"
Cats' anal glands contain a large amount of chemical pheromones. These pheromones convey information about the cat's sex, physical condition, mating status, and fighting ability. When cats sniff each other's pheromones, they can quickly assess the situation and avoid unnecessary conflicts. However, if a cat's diet is too oily, the anal glands can secrete a foul odor, and the cat may rub its backside on the ground frequently. In this case, the owner should clean the anal glands promptly to maintain the cat's health and hygiene.
6. The Tongue: A Sharp "Hunting Tool"
A cat's tongue is covered with barbs, composed mainly of keratin, similar to human nails. Cats use their teeth to tear prey into small pieces and then use their tongues to bring the meat to the back of their mouth for swallowing. The barbs on their tongues also help them lick themselves and keep their fur clean and shiny.
7. The Sweat Glands: A Unique "Heat Dissipation System"
Cats have sweat glands mainly located on their paw pads, allowing them to release sweat and cool down. However, their sweat glands are limited in function and rely primarily on radiant heat dissipation and panting to regulate their body temperature. So, when a cat sticks out its tongue, it's not imitating a dog but trying to cool down. At this time, owners can use a damp towel to wipe the cat's paws and body to help them dissipate heat.
8. The Eyes: A Distinct "Field of Vision Advantage"
Kittens are born with blue eyes, but their eye color will change as they grow older. Cats have a wider field of vision than humans, reaching 285 degrees, while humans have a field of vision of only 210 degrees. Even behind you, a cat can see you. However, cats are nearsighted and have vision that is only 1/10th of human vision.
Insights and Experiences
Cats carry many hidden secrets, revealing their unique habits and their adaptability to their living environment during evolution. As a cat owner, understanding these little secrets not only deepens the bond with your cat but also helps you take better care of their daily life, allowing them to grow healthily and happily.
1. The Vomeronasal Organ: A Mysterious "Smell Detector"
You might wonder how cats can distinguish smells. Beyond their nose, they have a secret weapon—the vomeronasal organ, also known as the Jacobson's organ. This tiny button-like organ located in the front of the nasal cavity receives and transmits scent signals. When a cat opens its mouth and exposes this little "button," it's using its vomeronasal organ to detect scents. This unique olfactory system allows cats to perceive scents that we humans can't, such as the scents of other cats, pheromones, and potential dangers.
2. The Pouch: The Flexible "Abdominal Secret"
Cats have a small flap of skin on their abdomen called the pouch. This inconspicuous pouch hides a secret weapon. It stores extra skin and fat, giving the cat's abdomen greater flexibility. This allows them to move freely during jumps, runs, and hunts, preventing injuries to the abdomen and heart. The pouch also stores energy, providing a boost when needed.
3. The Pinna: A Sensitive "Hearing Amplifier"
When someone asks you how many ears your cat has, don't answer "two"! Cats actually have four ears. Besides the two visible ears, they have two tiny pinnae located at the base of the ears. These minuscule pinnae collect sounds from the environment and amplify them, enabling cats to hear more clearly and better perceive changes in their surroundings. The larger the pinnae, the better the cat's hearing, allowing them to detect prey and potential threats promptly.
4. The Heel Pads: Precise "Balance Sensors"
On the bottom of a cat's paws, there's a small fleshy pad called the heel pad. Surrounding this pad are numerous small sensory hairs. These hairs help cats measure the size of holes, sense changes in air currents, and maintain balance when jumping from high places, protecting their ankles from injury. This allows cats to navigate various terrains with agility and jump and land safely.
5. The Anal Glands: Chemical Message "Transmitters"
Cats' anal glands contain a large amount of chemical pheromones. These pheromones convey information about the cat's sex, physical condition, mating status, and fighting ability. When cats sniff each other's pheromones, they can quickly assess the situation and avoid unnecessary conflicts. However, if a cat's diet is too oily, the anal glands can secrete a foul odor, and the cat may rub its backside on the ground frequently. In this case, the owner should clean the anal glands promptly to maintain the cat's health and hygiene.
6. The Tongue: A Sharp "Hunting Tool"
A cat's tongue is covered with barbs, composed mainly of keratin, similar to human nails. Cats use their teeth to tear prey into small pieces and then use their tongues to bring the meat to the back of their mouth for swallowing. The barbs on their tongues also help them lick themselves and keep their fur clean and shiny.
7. The Sweat Glands: A Unique "Heat Dissipation System"
Cats have sweat glands mainly located on their paw pads, allowing them to release sweat and cool down. However, their sweat glands are limited in function and rely primarily on radiant heat dissipation and panting to regulate their body temperature. So, when a cat sticks out its tongue, it's not imitating a dog but trying to cool down. At this time, owners can use a damp towel to wipe the cat's paws and body to help them dissipate heat.
8. The Eyes: A Distinct "Field of Vision Advantage"
Kittens are born with blue eyes, but their eye color will change as they grow older. Cats have a wider field of vision than humans, reaching 285 degrees, while humans have a field of vision of only 210 degrees. Even behind you, a cat can see you. However, cats are nearsighted and have vision that is only 1/10th of human vision.
Insights and Experiences
Cats carry many hidden secrets, revealing their unique habits and their adaptability to their living environment during evolution. As a cat owner, understanding these little secrets not only deepens the bond with your cat but also helps you take better care of their daily life, allowing them to grow healthily and happily.
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