How well do you know your cat?
Test Your Cat Knowledge!
Cats have been known to be mysterious creatures, but sometimes their mysteries are not so hard to figure out. How well do you know cats? Check out your knowledge on cats with these quick questions. You can find the answers toward the end. No fair asking your cat for answers!
1. When did the first domestic cat turn up in history?
a) 600 years ago
b) 2500 years ago
c) 7000 years ago
d) 15000 years ago
2. Which of these is not a reason why cats claw things?
a) To keep claws sharp and help remove worn claw sheathes
b) To leave scent on an object
c) To provide muscles with a good stretch
d) To be spiteful
3. A cat who is getting agitated to the point of lashing out while being petted will often have a tail that is:
a) Twitching and flipping at the tip
b) Wagging gently from the base
c) Perfectly still
d) Carried straight up
4. Cats purr when they are:
a) Content
b) Frightened
c) In pain
d) All of the above
5. Most cats have how many whiskers?
a) 18
b) 24
c) 32
d) 56
6. True or False? Cats always land on their feet.
a) True
b) False
7. The average cat weighs:
a) Between 12 and 15 pounds
b) Between 8 and 10 pounds
c) More than 15 pounds
d) Between 6 and 8 pounds
8. Cats start their grooming routine by:
a) Licking their tail tips
b) Licking their flanks
c) Licking their lips
d) Licking their paws
9. Which of the following senses is the poorest developed in a cat?
a) Smell
b) Hearing
c) Sight
d) None of the above
10. The normal body temperature of a cat is:
a) below 97 degrees
b) Between 100 and 102.5 degrees
c) Between 98 and 99 degrees
d) over 104 degrees
ANSWERS
1. c – Domestic cats have shown up very recently in the evolutionary process. They are probably related to the African wild cat and came from the Middle East.
2. d — Contrary to common belief, cats do not destroy your sofa for spite, but because clawing is natural feline behavior.
3. a — You may avoid a nasty bite by watching your cat’s tail. When the tip starts to flip, end the petting session.
4. d — Although most purring is a sign of contentment, cats have also been known to purr in stressful or painful situations, too.
5. b — In most cats, the 24 whiskers are neatly divided into four rows on each side of the face. Each whisker is imbedded deeper than normal hairs to enhance its sensory input.
6. False – Cats have a “righting reflex” that usually – but not always – allows them to right themselves. Cats that fall from greater heights fare better than those that fall from shorter height. The taller height gives them more time to right themselves and slow their descent.
7. b — While most average-weight cats will come in between 8 pounds and 10 pounds, some cat breeds will normally be much heavier. A healthy cat should have a little padding over the ribs — but not too much.
8. c — A cat will generally groom himself in the same sequence, starting by licking his lips, then his paws, then rubbing the paws over his head. The tail is generally last to get cleaned.
9. c–Cats are largely color-blind but their sense of smell and hearing are very well developed.
10. b — Temperatures below 99 degrees or above 103 degrees are reason to worry — and to call your veterinarian.
If you have any questions about your feline friend or cats in general, please call Ash Veterinary Clinic in Carleton at 734-782-2827.
