The domestic cat is one of the most studied and yet most mysterious animals. Here are 12 scientifically verified facts about cats that will make you see your feline friend in a whole new light.

1. They have 32 muscles in each ear

They can rotate them independently up to 180°, like a radar dish. They can detect frequencies from 55 Hz to 79 kHz (humans reach only 20 kHz).

2. They are older companions than we think

They have lived alongside humans for at least 9,500 years (archaeological discovery in Cyprus, 2004). Longer than previously believed.

3. They can produce more than 100 different vocalizations

Dogs manage 10–15. Cats have an enormous vocal repertoire: meows, chirps, purrs, hisses, trills. Fun fact: meowing is a domestic invention — adult cats do not meow to one another.

4. They are virtually self-sufficient when it comes to water

They obtain much of their hydration from prey (75% water). This is why many cats that eat only dry food are chronically dehydrated: switch to wet food or offer running water (a pet fountain).

5. Whiskers are sensory organs

They are as long as the cat's body width: cats use them to gauge whether they can fit through an opening. Never cut them — your cat would lose its sense of spatial orientation.

6. They almost always land on their feet

They have a "righting reflex": in just 0.3 seconds they rotate their body and legs to land upright. It works from about 1 metre of height upward; below that, they simply don't have enough time.

7. They sleep up to 16 hours a day

They are not lazy: they are ambush predators who conserve energy for explosive bursts of speed. Only 3 hours constitute deep sleep; the rest is light dozing.

8. They can see in the dark (almost)

They need only 1/6 of the light a human requires. Complete darkness is still too much, though: the tapetum lucidum reflects what little light is available.

9. They rub their head against you to "mark" you

On their head, chin and paws they have glands that release pheromones. By rubbing against you, they are including you in their social territory. It is a great compliment.

10. Purring has healing properties

Frequencies of 25–150 Hz stimulate bone and muscle regeneration. This is why cats heal fractures more quickly than dogs do.

11. Their tongue is covered in tiny hooks

Filiform papillae made of keratin serve to groom their coat (cats "brush" themselves for 4 hours a day) and to strip meat from prey. That is why a cat's tongue feels rough.

12. They recognise their name but pretend they don't

Japanese studies (Saito 2019) have shown that cats distinguish their own name from other words. Whether to respond, however, is entirely their choice. That's just how they are.

Bonus: the oldest cat on record

The record holder is Creme Puff, a Texan cat who passed away at the age of 38 in 2005. Average domestic lifespan: 13–18 years; with a good diet and regular veterinary care, cats can live well beyond 20.

To give your cat the very best care, check out our guides on neutering and natural feeding.