When most people talk about family pets, they’re usually talking only about dogs. But did you know that over 35% of American households have a least one pet cat or kitten? And more often than not, these households have several cats? What makes these people true ailurophiles (or cat fans, in layman terms)? Cats are independent and mysterious, they also make great companions. Whether you have a pet cat or just enjoy a cat’s presence, you should enjoy these fascinating facts about felines.

• Cats have long been domesticated pets- for over 8,000 something years. They were also considered religious figures in ancient Egypt.
• Today, people who take good care of their felines will have a lasting companionship, as they can live up to twenty-one years, which happens to be the equivalent of 100 human years.
• Contrary to popular belief, declawing your cat is not a good idea. When you remove their claws you also are removing a part of their feet, which could hinder it from walking or climbing like a normal cat should. Another negative effect from declawing your feline would be taking its natural defense mechanism. Cats need their claws when it comes to self-defense.
• All felines are carnivores. They need meat in their diet more than vegetables or grains- who ever heard of a vegetarian cat?
• And since indoor cats often don’t get their adequate supply of water, it’s a good idea to supply them with a bowl of water next to their bowl of food.
• Does your cat talk to you on occasion? The “meow” sound is something special for communicating with humans; they don’t often say that to other felines. Maybe that explains why roughly ninety-five percent of cat owners admit that they do talk to their pets.
• How do you know if your cat is satisfied? Does he have his tail in the air? Does she purr when she’s next you? Does he squeeze his eyes shut? Does she rub up against your feet and legs? These are a few good indicators of a happy kitty.