Articles

Closeup of a gray tabby cat's face.

How Well Can Cats Smell?

Caitlin Dempsey

Cats have a keen sense of smell that they use to hunt, determine enemies, and find mates.

A black and white cat lying on the floor holding his back leg while grooming. He is licking his lips and the rug is a light blue color.

11 Things to Know about Cat Grooming

Caitlin Dempsey

The typical cat spends a lot of time grooming.

The whiskers on cats helps them to decide if they can safely pass through narrow openings. Photo: Caitlin Dempsey.

Where Do Cats Have Whiskers?

Caitlin Dempsey

Whiskers help cats navigate their environment more accurately.

Black kitten sitting on a tree stump

10 Things to Know About Kittens

Caitlin Dempsey

Whether you're a first-time kitten owner or simply curious, here are ten interesting facts about young cats.

An orange tabby cat eating treats from a white dish.

Cats Don’t Have a Sweet Tooth

Caitlin Dempsey

Cats, including the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus), are believed to be the only animal that is unable to taste sweetness.

A gray tabby cat trying to catch a bird at a bird feeder.

Study: Safety is the Biggest Reason People Keep Their Cats Indoors

Caitlin Dempsey

While environmentalists advocate keeping cats indoors to minimize predation on native species, a new study indicated that the top reason people keep their cats home is for safety.

An orange tabby cat eating treats from a white dish.

Food Obsession in Cats

Caitlin Dempsey

Food-obsessed cats will consume all of their food as soon as it is placed in front of them, and will continue to beg for more even after they have had their fill.

A gray tabby kitten staring.

Can Cats Understand Words?

Caitlin Dempsey

Cats can understand human language, but they typically learn only about twenty to forty words.

A gray cat inside a cat tunnel toy.

Why Do Cats Like Crinkly Toys?

Caitlin Dempsey

Cats are attracted to paper grocery bags, wrapping paper, crinkly tunnels, and noisy toys.

Twenty-four consecutive images of a cat running. Photos: Eadweard Muybridge, 1887.

How High Can Cats Jump?

Caitlin Dempsey

Cats are powerful jumpers.

Gray tabby cat licking a bathtub.

Why Do Cats Like to Lick Bathtubs?

Caitlin Dempsey

No one knows for sure why cats like to lick the sides of a bathtub, although there are a few ideas floating around.