What is a polecat?
A polecat is not a cat, or a pole. It is a nocturnal European weasel.
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Cat Facts
Cat facts and facts about cats, including the animals people call cats and the ones that are weasels.
161 facts on this shelf
Does catnip affect lions?
Catnip can affect lions and tigers as well as house cats. It excites them because it contains a chemical that resembles an excretion of the dominant female's urine.
A fact that may disturb
A cat's urine glows under a blacklight.
What is a panther anyhow?
There is no single cat called the panther. The name is commonly applied to the leopard, but it is also used to refer to the puma and the jaguar. A black panther is really a black leopard.
What is cat pee good for?
A cat's urine glows under a blacklight.
Fun fact about cheetah's
The cheetah is the only cat in the world that can't retract its claws.
What kind of dog did President Bill Clinton own?
President Bill Clinton owned a chocolate Labrador Retriever named Buddy, who lived in the White House alongside the family's famously independent cat, Socks.
What is the official state cat of Maine?
The Maine Coon became Maine's official state cat in 1985, which makes sense for a breed that developed naturally in the state's harsh New England winters.
Which breed won the first major cat show in the US?
A brown tabby Maine Coon named Cosey won the first major cat show in the US, held at Madison Square Garden in 1895.
Are Maine Coons part raccoon?
A popular legend claims Maine Coons came from cats mating with raccoons, which explains the name and bushy tails, but that is biologically impossible. The Maine Coon is 100% cat.
What is the longest domestic cat on record?
A Maine Coon from Italy named Barivel was measured at about 3 feet 11 inches (120 cm) long, earning the Guinness World Record for the longest living domestic cat in 2023.
Why were extra toes common in early Maine Coons?
Polydactyly, having extra toes, was once very common in Maine Coons and may have worked like natural snowshoes for walking on snow. Many show standards now disqualify it, but some breeders keep polydactyl lines going.
How is the Maine Coon built for cold weather?
The Maine Coon is basically built for winter, with a shaggy water-resistant coat, a thick neck ruff, tufted ears, big furry paws, and a long bushy tail it can wrap around itself for warmth.
What sounds do Maine Coons make?
Maine Coons are known for chirping and trilling, surprisingly small, bird-like sounds coming from such a big cat, instead of loud meowing.
How long does it take a Maine Coon to fully grow?
Maine Coons are slow to mature and can take three to five years to reach their full size, so a Maine Coon "kitten" can keep growing well past its second birthday.
What heart disease are Maine Coons screened for?
Maine Coons can carry a gene mutation linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a disease that thickens the heart muscle, so responsible breeders use DNA tests to screen breeding cats.
Did the Maine Coon almost disappear?
After Persians arrived in the US in the early 1900s, the Maine Coon lost popularity so badly that it was nearly written off by the mid-1900s. Dedicated breed clubs revived it, and it's now the most popular pedigreed cat in the CFA rankings.
Who created the Ragdoll cat breed?
The Ragdoll was developed in the 1960s in Riverside, California, by breeder Ann Baker. Its foundation cat was a white longhaired cat named Josephine.
How did the Ragdoll get its name?
The Ragdoll gets its name from its habit of going completely limp and relaxed when picked up, like a floppy rag doll.
What strange claims did the Ragdoll's founder make?
Ann Baker, the founder of the Ragdoll breed, made bizarre claims about her cats, including that Josephine's kittens were changed by genetic experiments and even alien genes. Other breeders eventually broke away from her to develop the breed more seriously.
Why are Ragdoll kittens born white?
Ragdoll kittens are born almost entirely white because their coat color depends on a temperature-sensitive enzyme. Their darker points develop gradually and may take two to three years to fully show.
What eye color do Ragdoll cats have?
Every purebred Ragdoll has blue eyes, and their vivid oval-shaped eyes are one of the breed's signature features.
What coat patterns do Ragdoll cats come in?
Ragdolls come in four coat patterns: colorpoint, mitted, bicolor, and van.
Why are Ragdolls called "puppy cats"?
Ragdolls are often called "puppy cats" because many follow their owners from room to room, greet them at the door, and can even learn to play fetch.
How big do Ragdolls get?
Ragdolls are one of the largest domestic cat breeds. Males often weigh 15 to 20 pounds, and they can take about four years to fully mature.
When did the CFA grant the Ragdoll championship status?
The Cat Fanciers' Association granted the Ragdoll full championship status in 2000, and within about two decades it had climbed to become one of the most popular breeds in the world.
What heart condition is linked to Ragdolls?
Ragdolls have their own breed-specific gene mutation linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and DNA testing helps breeders avoid passing it on.
Where did Persian cats come from?
Persian cats are named after Persia, modern-day Iran. Longhaired cats from the region were brought to Europe in the 1600s, where breeders gradually shaped them into the modern Persian.
Which British queen owned Persian cats?
Queen Victoria owned blue Persian cats, and her royal approval helped make the breed fashionable in Victorian England.
What health problems come with the Persian's flat face?
The Persian's flat, brachycephalic face can cause breathing problems, runny eyes, and dental issues, and veterinarians have raised concerns about breeding for extremely flat faces.
What kidney disease is common in Persian cats?
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which causes fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, was historically found in more than a third of Persians. DNA testing has helped breeders greatly reduce it.
How much grooming does a Persian cat need?
A Persian's long, thick coat needs daily brushing to prevent painful mats, so owning one is basically a long-term grooming commitment.
Which breed was the most popular in the CFA rankings for decades?
The Persian was the most popular pedigreed cat in the CFA rankings for decades before other breeds, starting with the Exotic, finally knocked it off the top spot in the 2010s.
What breed is the cat owned by Bond villain Blofeld?
The James Bond villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld is famous for stroking a white Persian cat, which became a pop culture symbol of the evil mastermind.
What is a Himalayan cat?
A Himalayan is essentially a Persian with Siamese-style pointed coloring and blue eyes. In the CFA it's classified as a color division of the Persian rather than a separate breed.
How active are Persian cats?
Persians are calm, quiet, low-energy cats that prefer lounging on soft furniture to climbing curtains, which makes them a great fit for peaceful homes.
When was the Persian recognized by the CFA?
The Persian was one of the original breeds recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association when it was founded in 1906.
How was the Exotic cat breed created?
The Exotic was created in the 1950s and 1960s by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs and other shorthaired breeds, which produced a cat with a Persian's face and a much shorter coat.
Why is the Exotic called "the lazy man's Persian"?
The Exotic is nicknamed "the lazy man's Persian" because it has the Persian's sweet, flat face and calm personality without the daily grooming its long coat would need.
When did the CFA recognize the Exotic?
The Cat Fanciers' Association officially recognized the Exotic in 1967.
Which breed ended the Persian's long run at the top of the CFA rankings?
In the mid-2010s, the Exotic ended the Persian's decades-long run as the most popular pedigreed cat in the CFA rankings, so the breed literally overtook its own parent breed.
What is an Exotic Longhair?
Because Exotics carry a recessive longhair gene from their Persian ancestors, two Exotic parents can produce a longhaired kitten that looks essentially identical to a Persian.
What makes the Exotic's coat unique?
The Exotic has a dense, plush coat that stands out from its body instead of lying flat, which gives it its famous teddy bear look.
What health problems can Exotic cats have?
Like Persians, Exotics have flat faces that can cause breathing problems and tear staining around the eyes, so regular face cleaning is part of their care.
What is the Exotic cat's personality like?
Exotics are known as quiet, gentle, and easygoing cats, but they tend to be a little more playful than their Persian cousins thanks to their shorthair ancestry.
How much grooming does an Exotic need?
Exotics usually need only about a weekly combing to keep their coats in good shape, which is far less work than the daily brushing a Persian requires.
Where did the Exotic's American Shorthair ancestry come from?
The Exotic began partly by accident, when American Shorthair breeders crossed their cats with Persians and ended up with stocky, plush-coated, flat-faced cats that became a breed of their own.
Where was the Devon Rex discovered?
The Devon Rex was discovered in 1960 in Buckfastleigh, Devon, England, when Beryl Cox found a curly-coated kitten named Kirlee in a litter.
Who was the father of the first Devon Rex?
The first Devon Rex, Kirlee, is believed to have been fathered by a curly-coated feral tomcat living near an abandoned tin mine in Devon, England.
Are the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex related?
Even though the Devon Rex and Cornish Rex both have curly coats, their curls come from different genes. When breeders crossed the two, the kittens had straight hair.
Why does the Devon Rex look like a pixie?
With huge ears, big eyes, and a short wedge-shaped face, the Devon Rex has an elfin, almost alien look that has earned it nicknames like "pixie cat."
Why are Devon Rex cats called "Velcro cats"?
Devon Rex cats are nicknamed "Velcro cats" because they stick close to their people. Many love perching on shoulders and getting involved in everything their owners do.
What is the most popular shorthaired cat breed in the CFA rankings?
The Devon Rex has been the most popular shorthaired breed in the Cat Fanciers' Association rankings for five years running.
Are Devon Rex cats hypoallergenic?
The Devon Rex sheds much less than most cats, but it isn't truly hypoallergenic, because the main cat allergen also comes from saliva and skin.
Why do Devon Rex cats feel warm to the touch?
Devon Rex cats feel noticeably warm to the touch because their thin, wavy coat traps less air than a normal cat's fur, which is also why they love snuggling under blankets and near heaters.
When did the CFA recognize the Devon Rex?
The Cat Fanciers' Association recognized the Devon Rex in 1983.
Can Devon Rex cats be trained?
Devon Rex cats are playful and smart enough to learn tricks like fetch and walking on a leash, which is a big part of their reputation as a "monkey in a cat suit."
What is a ticked coat?
Abyssinians have a "ticked" coat, which means each individual hair has several bands of color. That gives the coat a warm, glowing shimmer instead of stripes or spots.
How did the Abyssinian get its name?
The Abyssinian is named after Abyssinia, modern-day Ethiopia, because a cat named Zula was reportedly brought from there to England in 1868 after a British military campaign.
Did the Abyssinian really come from Ethiopia?
Despite its name, genetic research suggests the Abyssinian's ancestors most likely came from coastal regions around the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia rather than Ethiopia.
Why are Abyssinians compared to ancient Egyptian cats?
Abyssinians look strikingly similar to the cats shown in ancient Egyptian art and statues, which led to the long-running but unproven idea that they descend from the sacred cats of Egypt.
Which cat breed was used for the first cat genome sequencing?
The first cat genome ever sequenced, published in 2007, came from an Abyssinian named Cinnamon, which made the breed an important part of feline genetics research.
How active are Abyssinian cats?
Abyssinians are among the most active and curious cat breeds. They love climbing, exploring, and getting into everything, so they're rarely the lap cat type.
What colors do Abyssinians come in?
The most classic Abyssinian color is called "ruddy," a warm reddish-brown, and the breed also comes in red, blue, and fawn.
What eye disease can Abyssinians inherit?
Abyssinians can inherit a form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a disease that gradually causes blindness, and DNA tests help breeders screen for it.
How did World War II affect the Abyssinian breed?
The Abyssinian population in Britain dropped dramatically during WWII, and breeders had to work hard afterward to rebuild the breed.
Is the Abyssinian one of the oldest recognized cat breeds?
The Abyssinian is one of the oldest recognized cat breeds, shown at cat shows in England in the late 1800s and among the earliest breeds registered in the US.
Which cat breed has the densest coat?
The British Shorthair has the densest coat of any cat breed, with more hairs per square inch than any other feline, which gives it a crisp, plush feel.
Where did the British Shorthair's ancestors come from?
The British Shorthair is believed to descend from cats that the Romans brought to Britain about 2,000 years ago to control rodents.
Who is considered the father of the cat fancy?
Harrison Weir, known as the "father of the cat fancy," organized the first modern cat show at London's Crystal Palace in 1871, and British Shorthairs were among the cats he championed.
What is a "British Blue"?
The blue-gray British Shorthair is so iconic that the breed was once commonly called the "British Blue," even though it comes in many other colors.
Why do British Shorthairs look like they're smiling?
British Shorthairs have round faces, chubby cheeks, and prominent whisker pads that give them a permanent smiling expression.
How long do British Shorthairs take to mature?
British Shorthairs are slow to mature and may not reach their full size and muscle until about three years old.
How did World War II affect the British Shorthair?
The British Shorthair population dropped sharply during WWII, and breeders afterward crossed them with Persians and other breeds to rebuild their numbers.
What is unusual about the British Shorthair's blood type?
British Shorthairs have an unusually high rate of type B blood compared with most cats, which matters a lot for blood transfusions and for breeding, since mismatched blood types can harm newborn kittens.
Do British Shorthairs like being held?
British Shorthairs are affectionate but often don't love being picked up and carried. They tend to prefer keeping all four paws on the ground and sitting next to their people instead.
What is the British Shorthair's personality like?
British Shorthairs are calm, reserved, and polite cats that will often wait to be invited onto a lap. Once there, they tend to stay put.
What is the national cat of Russia?
The Siberian is considered the national cat of Russia and developed naturally in the country's brutally cold forests over hundreds of years.
What is special about the Siberian cat's coat?
Siberian cats have a triple coat with a guard layer, a middle layer, and a dense undercoat, which works like built-in winter gear against Russian winters.
Are Siberian cats better for people with allergies?
Siberian cats are often said to produce less of the major cat allergen Fel d 1, and some studies support that claim. Levels vary between individual cats, though, so no Siberian is guaranteed to be allergy-free.
When did Siberian cats first come to the US?
Siberian cats were first imported to the US in 1990, shortly after the Cold War ended and travel and trade with Russia became easier.
How long does a Siberian cat take to mature?
Siberian cats are slow developers and can take up to five years to reach their full size.
Do Siberian cats like water?
Unlike most cats, many Siberians are fascinated by water and may play in sinks, drinking fountains, or even bathtubs.
What is a Neva Masquerade?
A Neva Masquerade is a Siberian cat with pointed coloring, like a Siamese pattern. It's named after the Neva River in St. Petersburg, Russia, where this variety was developed.
How big do Siberian cats get?
Siberians are large, muscular cats, and males commonly weigh around 15 to 20 pounds.
Are Siberian cats good jumpers?
Siberian cats are powerful athletes with strong back legs, and they're known for leaping onto refrigerators, bookshelves, and other high spots with ease.
What is the Siberian cat's personality like?
Siberians balance a mellow, affectionate personality with bursts of high-energy play, so they can switch from napping on the couch to sprinting after a toy in seconds.
How did the American Shorthair's ancestors arrive in North America?
The American Shorthair's ancestors are believed to have arrived with early European settlers, who brought cats on their ships to protect food supplies from rats and mice.
What was the American Shorthair originally called?
The American Shorthair was originally called the Domestic Shorthair and was renamed in 1966 to set the pedigreed breed apart from ordinary mixed-breed cats.
What is the difference between an American Shorthair and a domestic shorthair?
An American Shorthair is a pedigreed breed with a written standard, while a "domestic shorthair" is just a general term for a mixed-breed cat with short fur.
What is the American Shorthair's most famous coat pattern?
The silver tabby, with bold black swirls on a silver background, is the American Shorthair's most iconic look.
How many colors does the American Shorthair come in?
American Shorthairs come in more than 80 different colors and patterns.
Why are American Shorthairs good hunters?
American Shorthairs were bred as working cats, and their muscular build and powerful jaws made them excellent at catching rodents on farms and ships.
Is the American Shorthair one of the original CFA breeds?
The American Shorthair was among the first breeds recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association when it was founded in 1906.
How long do American Shorthairs live?
American Shorthairs are a hardy, healthy breed and often live 15 years or more.
Are American Shorthairs good family pets?
American Shorthairs are easygoing and patient, so they tend to do well with kids and other pets.
Did the American Shorthair return to the CFA top 10?
The American Shorthair made a comeback onto the Cat Fanciers' Association's top 10 list of most popular breeds for 2026 after renewed interest in the classic breed.
Where did the Russian Blue come from?
The Russian Blue is believed to have come from the port city of Arkhangelsk in northern Russia and was once known as the "Archangel Blue."
When was the Russian Blue first shown?
The Russian Blue was shown at London's Crystal Palace cat show in 1875, one of the earliest cat shows ever held.
Do Russian Blue kittens have green eyes?
Russian Blue kittens are born with yellowish eyes that gradually change to the breed's famous vivid green as they grow up.
Why does a Russian Blue's coat shimmer?
Russian Blues have a dense double coat with silver-tipped guard hairs that catch the light, which gives the fur a shimmering, almost glowing look.
What is the Russian Blue's "smile"?
Russian Blues have slightly upturned corners of the mouth, often called a "Mona Lisa smile," that make them look permanently pleased with themselves.
Are Russian Blues shy?
Russian Blues tend to be shy and reserved around strangers but very affectionate and loyal with the people they know.
Can Russian Blues open cabinets?
Russian Blues are known for problem-solving skills, and some learn to open cabinet and cupboard doors to get at food and treats.
What is a Nebelung?
The Nebelung is a longhaired relative of the Russian Blue, and its name comes from the German word for "fog" or "mist."
Do Russian Blues like routines?
Russian Blues are creatures of habit that usually prefer predictable routines, like meals at the same time, and can get stressed by big changes.
How much grooming does a Russian Blue need?
Despite its luxurious-looking coat, the Russian Blue needs only minimal grooming, so it's a low-maintenance breed.
How was the Bengal cat created?
The Bengal was created by crossing domestic cats with the Asian leopard cat, a small wild cat, to produce a pet with a wild-looking spotted coat.
Who developed the Bengal cat?
Breeder Jean Mill is credited with developing the Bengal, using hybrid cats from research by Dr. Willard Centerwall, who was studying leopard cats' resistance to feline leukemia.
Where does the Bengal cat's name come from?
The Bengal's name comes from the Asian leopard cat's scientific name, Prionailurus bengalensis.
Is it legal to own a Bengal cat everywhere in the US?
Bengal cats are banned in Hawaii, and some states and cities restrict early-generation Bengals because of their wild ancestry, so it's worth checking local laws before getting one.
What is a "glitter" coat?
Many Bengals have a "glitter" coat, where the tips of the hairs reflect light and make the fur look like it's dusted with gold or pearl.
What are rosettes on a Bengal cat?
Many Bengals have rosettes, two-toned spots with a darker outline like a leopard or jaguar, which is a big part of the breed's mini-wildcat look.
What does F1 mean for a Bengal cat?
Bengal generations are labeled F1, F2, and so on based on how far they are from a wild Asian leopard cat ancestor. Most pet Bengals are four or more generations removed, which is considered fully domestic.
When did TICA recognize the Bengal?
The International Cat Association (TICA) first recognized the Bengal in 1986.
Do Bengal cats like water?
Many Bengals love water and will play in sinks, splash in bowls, or even join their owners in the shower.
Can Bengal cats be leash trained?
Bengals are extremely energetic and intelligent, and many can be trained to walk on a leash, play fetch, and do tricks, which also helps burn off their huge energy.
What ancient manuscript describes the Siamese cat?
The Siamese cat is described in the Tamra Maew, or "Cat Book Poems," a collection of manuscripts from Thailand that may date back several centuries.
Why do Siamese cats have dark points?
Siamese cats have darker ears, faces, paws, and tails because their coloring comes from a temperature-sensitive enzyme that produces darker pigment only on the cooler parts of their bodies.
Are Siamese cats very vocal?
Siamese cats are famously talkative, with loud, raspy voices they use to "chat" with their owners throughout the day.
Why did old Siamese cats often have crossed eyes and kinked tails?
Many early Siamese cats had crossed eyes and kinked tails, traits linked to their genetics. Breeders worked to remove them over time, though legends claimed they came from guarding temple treasures.
What was the first Siamese cat in the US?
The first known Siamese cat in the US was a gift to First Lady Lucy Hayes in 1878 from the US consul in Bangkok. The cat was named Siam.
What is the difference between traditional and modern Siamese cats?
Modern show Siamese have long, slender bodies and sharp wedge-shaped heads, while "traditional" Siamese have rounder heads and sturdier builds, closer to how the breed looked in the early 1900s.
Which cat breeds descend from the Siamese?
The Siamese helped create many other breeds, including the Balinese, Oriental Shorthair, Himalayan, and Tonkinese.
Which Disney movie featured two Siamese cats?
Disney's 1955 film "Lady and the Tramp" featured two Siamese cats, Si and Am, and their song was later criticized for relying on ethnic stereotypes.
Were Siamese cats at the first modern cat show?
Siamese cats were shown at the famous 1871 Crystal Palace cat show in London, and some attendees found their unusual look strange at first.
How long do Siamese cats live?
Siamese cats are among the longer-lived breeds and often live well into their late teens.
Are Sphynx cats completely hairless?
Sphynx cats aren't totally hairless. Most are covered in a fine peach-fuzz down that makes their skin feel like warm suede.
Where did the Sphynx cat originate?
The Sphynx started in Toronto, Canada, in 1966, when a domestic cat gave birth to a hairless kitten named Prune due to a natural genetic mutation.
Why do Sphynx cats need baths?
Sphynx cats need regular baths because they have no fur to absorb their skin oils, which can build up and leave greasy marks on furniture.
Which breed played Mr. Bigglesworth in the Austin Powers sequels?
Dr. Evil's hairless cat, Mr. Bigglesworth, in the Austin Powers sequels was played by a Sphynx cat named Ted Nude-gent.
Can Sphynx cats get sunburned?
Without fur to protect them, Sphynx cats can get sunburned and also get cold easily, so many owners keep them indoors and dress them in sweaters.
Are Sphynx cats hypoallergenic?
Sphynx cats aren't hypoallergenic, because the main cat allergen, Fel d 1, comes from their saliva and skin, not their fur.
What gene causes the Sphynx's hairlessness?
The Sphynx's hairlessness comes from a mutation in the KRT71 gene, the same gene that causes the Devon Rex's curly coat, just a different version of it.
What heart condition are Sphynx cats prone to?
Sphynx cats are prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart disease that thickens the heart muscle, so regular heart screenings are recommended.
Why do Sphynx cats eat so much?
Sphynx cats have high metabolisms to keep their bodies warm without fur, so they often eat more than the average cat.
When did the CFA recognize the Sphynx?
The Cat Fanciers' Association accepted the Sphynx for championship competition in 2002.
Where did the Scottish Fold originate?
The Scottish Fold traces back to Susie, a white barn cat with folded ears found on a farm in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1961 by shepherd William Ross.
What causes a Scottish Fold's folded ears?
A Scottish Fold's folded ears come from a gene mutation that affects cartilage throughout the body, which can lead to painful joint and bone problems called osteochondrodysplasia.
Are Scottish Fold kittens born with folded ears?
Scottish Fold kittens are born with straight ears that only begin to fold at about three to four weeks old.
What is a Scottish Straight?
Scottish Fold kittens whose ears never fold are called Scottish Straights, and they're used in breeding programs to avoid fold-to-fold matings.
Why should Scottish Folds never be bred to each other?
Breeding two Scottish Folds together greatly increases the risk of severe skeletal deformities in the kittens, so responsible breeders always pair a Fold with a straight-eared cat.
Why isn't the Scottish Fold recognized in the UK?
Britain's Governing Council of the Cat Fancy stopped registering Scottish Folds in 1971 because of health concerns, so the breed developed mainly in the US instead.
Are Scottish Folds banned anywhere?
Because of welfare concerns, some places, including the Netherlands, restrict or ban breeding Scottish Folds.
What is the "Buddha sit"?
Scottish Folds are known for the "Buddha sit," where they sit upright on their back ends with their legs stretched out and their belly exposed, almost like a person on a couch.
Which pop star owns Scottish Fold cats?
Taylor Swift owns two Scottish Folds named Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson, after TV characters from "Grey's Anatomy" and "Law & Order: SVU."
Why do Scottish Folds look like owls?
With round heads, big round eyes, and ears folded flat against their skulls, Scottish Folds are often said to look like owls.
What is the largest cat species in the world?
The tiger is the largest cat species on Earth. Large male Amur (Siberian) tigers can weigh over 600 pounds, which makes them bigger than lions.
Do tigers like water?
Unlike most cats, tigers love water. They are strong swimmers that often cool off in rivers and lakes and can even hunt in water.
Which big cat lives in groups?
Lions are the only truly social big cats. They live in groups called prides, usually made up of related females, their cubs, and a few males.
How far can a lion's roar be heard?
A lion's roar can be heard up to about five miles away, one of the loudest sounds made by any big cat.
What did RCA use as an early TV test image?
In 1928, RCA used a Felix the Cat doll as an early TV test image.
Where is Rome's famous cat sanctuary?
Rome's Largo di Torre Argentina, the ruins where Julius Caesar was killed, is home to a famous cat sanctuary.
Why are people from Madrid called "gatos"?
People born in Madrid are nicknamed "gatos," Spanish for "cats."
Why are there six-toed cats at Hemingway's house?
The six-toed cats at Hemingway's Key West home are descended from his cat Snow White.
Are onions safe for pets?
Onions are toxic to dogs and cats.
Why are cats scared of cucumbers?
Videos of cats being startled by cucumbers went viral online.
Is garlic safe for pets?
Garlic is toxic to dogs and cats.
Are lilies dangerous to cats?
Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, and even a little pollen can cause kidney failure.
Did Newton invent the cat flap?
The story that Isaac Newton invented the cat flap is likely a myth.
Why did ancient Egyptians mummify cats?
Ancient Egyptians considered cats sacred to the goddess Bastet and mummified millions of them as offerings.