I grew up thinking that cats were the most unfriendly creatures to ever exist. I looked at them as those troublesome and strange animals that I always needed to stay away from. And let me tell you that I wasn’t the only person to think that way. It took me so many years to realize that cats aren’t as unfriendly as I thought they were.
It took me a lot of growing up to realize that cats are extremely quirky creatures and a lot of it comes from their incredible brains. The brain of a cat is its most powerful organ that is also the reason behind its funny and unpredictable antics, hunting instincts and amusing behavior.
If you are a cat parent who keeps wondering what exactly goes on within that little head, here are some of the funniest facts about cat brains that will make you admire and appreciate them even more.
1. A Cat’s Brain is Nearly 90% Similar to the Human Brain
Well, you may not believe it, but a cat’s brain is just as sharp, alert, and inquisitive as a human’s. In fact, on paper, a cat’s brain is nearly 90% similar to the human brain. The part of their brain responsible for decision-making and problem-solving closely resembles ours. So, the next time your cat looks at you with those judgmental eyes, remember—they’re probably thinking the same thing about you as you are about them.
2. Cats Likely Dream About You (and Might Be Scheming to Take Over the World)
Cats relive their daily activities in their dreams, just like humans do. They experience Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which is when dreaming occurs. Have you ever caught your cat twitching, pawing, or making strange and funny noises while sleeping? Well, it’s because they’re reliving everything in their dreams that you saw them doing all day—chasing the laser pointer or plotting how to overthrow you and take over the house.
3. A Cat’s Brain Functions Like a Tiny Supercomputer
Let me tell you a fact about cat brains that might just leave you baffled. Your cat’s brain is just as small as a ping-pong ball. But you won’t believe what all that little machinery can do. While a dog’s brain has 160 million neurons in its cerebral cortex, a cat’s brain has 300 million of them. That pretty much explains how your cat figured out how to open doors, sneak out food and has managed to spot and reserve the coziest space in your house.
4. Cats Know Their Own Names (They Just Prefer to Ignore You)
Studies show that when you adopt a cat and give them a name, they quickly learn to recognize it when called. But unlike dogs who run towards their humans when called, cats simply choose to ignore you. So, the next time you call your cat, and they just give you a blank stare, it’s not because they are confused. It’s rather because they believe that it’s their birthright to ignore their humans. Isn’t that cute?
5. Cats Possess an Internal GPS System
This may sound like an over-exaggeration, but scientists have every proof to believe that cats have an inbuilt GPS that always guides them home no matter how far they have been wandering off. Their brain is extremely sensitive to the earth’s magnetic field that is most probably the reason why they always manage to come home. This is especially true for cats who have spent most of their lives outdoors, since they are a bit more fearless and adventurous than the ones that are domesticated.
6. Cats Have the Ability to Defy Gravity
A cat’s body has a great balance system that allows them to always land on their feet after performing a mid-air twist. So, if you didn’t know it already, your cat is an ultimate acrobat who had learned how to keep their body correctly oriented since they were merely six weeks old. Well, this may also suggest that cats are good at physics since they always manage to have a perfectly balanced landing after every acrobatic stunt it performs during the day.
7. Cats Have a Photographic Memory (But Only When It Suits Them)
Cats have an inherent talent of remembering every location and object they come across. This also means that they have a photographic memory that allows them to remember where they kept their favorite toy or food bowl. Isn’t that impressive for a creature who acts all clueless when you ask them if they were the one to knock over your coffee mug?
8. Cats Detect Scents 14 Times More Effectively Than Humans
Cats have an amazing sense of smell, and they definitely know how to use it well. Not just that. their brains are hardwired to process every scent or smell so effectively that you will be left in awe of this amazing talent. Cats have more than 200 million scent receptors which is 14 times more than humans. So, if your cat just smelled your food and gave you that weird look, it’s probably time to question your taste (or lack of it).
9. Cats Possess a Sixth Sense for Detecting Danger
A cat’s brain is extremely intuitive and quickly goes on an alert mode as soon as it senses a change in its immediate environment. They can sense when there’s an earthquake approaching and even detect when it’s about to rain. Well, doesn’t it qualify them as nature’s natural future predictors?
10. Cats Know How to Manipulate You Using Their Meows
Let me just break it out to you. Your cat is a big-time manipulator and can easily fool you into giving them cuddles, treats and kisses whenever they need it. Cats don’t use meow to communicate with each other- that’s a language they use to manipulate humans. So, if your cat often uses meow to manipulate you into giving them what they want, you are probably raising a con artist right under your roof.
11. Cats Have the Ability to “Mute” Unpleasant Sounds
Your cat has an inherent ability to cut off any unwanted noise. Their amazing auditory system allows them to filter out certain sounds that they find annoying or unneeded. Well, that makes me jealous as a human being! That’s funny for a creature who acts all clueless when you call them but instantly come running when they hear the sound of a can opening.
12. A Cat’s Brain Operates Like a Heat-Seeking Missile
If you ever notice your cat curling up on your books, under the sun or right next to you, it’s because they are seeking warmth. A cat’s brain is hard-wired to operate like a heat-seeking missile that will do everything to maintain a cozy temperature of around 100°F. This means that every environment that feels warm and cozy will naturally attract them. So, the next time you wonder why your cat always curls up on that freshly dried pile of laundry, you will know why.
13. Cats Can Actually Get “High” on Catnip
Now this may sound funny as well as astonishing, but your cat can actually get high on catnip. A cat’s brain responds to catnip in a way that’s similar to how the human brain reacts to certain substances. Catnip binds have nepetalactone that gives a cat that euphoric feeling that can make it do really funny things. Ever saw your cat rolling around, zooming and acting all funny after a catnip session? That’s simply because it gives their brain a euphoric sensation.
Conclusion
While humans often think that all cats do is lounge around and act disinterested in everything happening around them, a cat’s brain is actually working hard to process everything it experiences throughout the day. In fact, cats are some of the coolest and most fascinating creatures to ever bless this planet. On one hand, they’re clever enough to manipulate you with their adorable meows; on the other, they reveal their playful side with gravity-defying stunts. So, the next time your cat gives you that “I know something that you don’t” look, you might want to believe them.