14 Fun Facts About Cats That Will Blow Your Mind

Cats are an enigma that has captured hearts for thousands of years. With their mysterious personalities and adorable quirks, it’s no surprise that they’re one of the most popular pets in the world. In South Africa alone, there are over 2 million pet cats! Yet, despite their proximity to us, there’s still so much about them that remains unknown or surprising.

From their peculiar walking style to their record-breaking feats, here are 14 fascinating facts about cats that will leave you in awe!

1. The Oldest Known Pet Cat Lived 9,500 Years Ago
Think cats were first domesticated by the Egyptians? Think again! In 2004, French archaeologists unearthed a 9,500-year-old cat grave in Cyprus, predating Egyptian art depicting cats by over 4,000 years.

2. Cats Spend 70% of Their Lives Sleeping
Cats are the ultimate nappers, snoozing 13–16 hours a day. That adds up to roughly 70% of their lives! Truly, it’s a cat’s life.

3. An Alaskan Town Had a Cat Mayor for 20 Years
Stubbs, an orange tabby, served as the honorary mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska, for two decades. While he held no legislative power, he won the hearts of locals and tourists alike.

4. The Longest Cat Measured 123cm
A Maine Coon named Stewie holds the record for the world’s longest cat at a staggering 123 cm! Meanwhile, Arcturus, the tallest cat, stood an impressive 48 cm tall.

5. The Richest Cat in the World Inherited R145 Million
Blackie, the wealthiest cat ever, inherited £7 million (approximately R145 million today) from his owner. Talk about a pawsh lifestyle!

6. Cats Walk Like Camels and Giraffes
Have you ever noticed how cats move their right feet together, followed by their left feet? This unique gait is shared only with camels and giraffes.

7. Isaac Newton Invented the Cat Door
Legend has it that Sir Isaac Newton, while conducting experiments at the University of Cambridge, cut holes in his door to let his cats come and go without interruptions. These "cat doors" are still visible at Cambridge today!

8. A Cat Was Launched Into Space
Félicette, affectionately known as “Astrocat,” became the first feline to travel to space in 1963. Her mission contributed to scientific understanding of space travel’s effects on living beings.

9. Ancient Egyptians Mourned Cats by Shaving Their Eyebrows
In Ancient Egypt, cats were revered, and mourning a pet’s death involved shaving off one’s eyebrows—a testament to their deep bond with these animals.

10. House Cats Share 95.6% of Their DNA with Tigers
Domestic cats and tigers are genetic cousins, sharing 95.6% of their DNA. Their behaviors—like scent marking and pouncing—are strikingly similar, too!

11. A House Cat Can Outrun Usain Bolt
Cats can sprint at speeds up to 48 km/h, fast enough to beat Usain Bolt in a 200-meter dash. Imagine that!

12. The Oldest Cat Lived to 38 Years Old
Creme Puff, born in 1967, lived an astonishing 38 years and 3 days. Her owner, Jake Perry, also cared for another record-breaking cat, Grandpa Rex Allen, who lived to 34 years old.

13. The Loudest Purr Reached 67.8 dB(A)
Merlin, a cat from the UK, holds the record for the loudest purr at 67.8 decibels—the equivalent of a running shower. Most cats purr around 25 dB.

14. Didga Performed 24 Tricks in One Minute
Think cats can’t learn tricks? Think again! Didga, a highly trained cat, holds the record for performing 24 tricks in just one minute, including skateboarding stunts.

These fun feline facts showcase just how remarkable and surprising our furry friends can be. Which fact surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this post with your fellow cat lovers!