Isn’t it incredible how much depth and uniqueness our furry companions hold? While cats may seem like everyday creatures that we’ve grown used to, female cats, in particular, hide an array of fascinating traits.
Let’s delve into the mesmerizing world of female cats and explore 12 intriguing facts that make these feline companions uniquely extraordinary.
Hold onto your catnip, because some of these facts might just take you by surprise!
The World Record Holder: Creampuff, the Oldest Female Cat
Let’s begin our journey with a record-breaking feline.
Believe it or not, the world’s oldest cat was a female named Creampuff, who lived a staggering 38 years and three days!
Born on August 3, 1967, in Austin, Texas, this tabby mix lived until August 6, 2005, with her owner, Jake Perry.
Intriguingly, longevity seems to be a common trait among Jake Perry’s cats. Around a third of them have lived to be at least 30 years old, which is double the average feline lifespan.
What’s his secret?
A diet including dry commercial cat food, home-cooked eggs, turkey bacon, broccoli, and even a drop of red wine every two days!
However, let’s make it clear – experts do not recommend giving cats coffee or wine, so please don’t try this at home.
Multiple Fathers for One Litter? Meet Superfecundation
Our next fascinating feline fact might just make you gasp. Did you know a litter of kittens can have multiple fathers?
This surprising phenomenon is known as superfecundation.
If a female cat mates with more than one male during her fertile period, her eggs can potentially be fertilized by different males.
While it can be difficult to detect without a DNA test, especially in purebred cats, indications of superfecundation, or two or more biological fathers, may include kittens of varying colors, sizes, and characteristics.
However, identical appearances don’t necessarily mean the kittens share the same father.
A compelling plot for a feline soap opera, don’t you think?
Right-Paw Dominance in Female Cats
Similar to humans, cats also exhibit paw dominance. Interestingly, paw preference in cats is often influenced by their sex.
While male cats lean towards their left paws, female cats are right-paw dominant.
A study found that 52% of female cats favored their right paw, while about 20% showed no particular preference.
Seems like right paw preference is a female cat’s right indeed!
Longer Lifespan: The Gift of Female Cats
On average, female cats enjoy a longer lifespan, living one to two years more than their male counterparts.
While the reasons behind this are not entirely clear, factors like being indoor or outdoor cats or whether they’ve been spayed significantly influence a cat’s lifespan.
The Benefits of Spaying
Spayed female cats tend to live longer, with research indicating a 39% increase in lifespan compared to unspayed counterparts.
Spaying eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers and significantly reduces the risk of mammary tumors.
These health benefits contribute to a spayed cat’s increased life expectancy.
The Three Nicknames of Female Cats
Female cats have three well-known nicknames – Molly, Queen, and Dam.
‘Molly’ is a general term for any female cat, while ‘Queen’ refers to a pregnant cat.
An older or purebred breeding cat is often referred to as a ‘Dam’.
The Unique Coloring of Female Cats
Tortoiseshell and Calico cats, known for their bicolored and tricolored coats, are almost always female.
A Tortoiseshell cat is a domestic cat with a particular coloring pattern on its coat. The term “tortoiseshell” describes the color pattern itself, not a breed of cat. A tortoiseshell cat has a coat that’s a mosaic of patches of black, red, orange, cream, and sometimes white.
This is due to the genetic requirement of two X chromosomes to create these unique color patterns.
However, there are rare exceptions, with about one in 3,000 Calico or Tortoiseshell cats being male.
Early Pregnancy: A Reality for Female Cats
Female cats can enter their heat cycle as young as four months old, making it possible for them to get pregnant at this tender age.
Factors like breed can influence the onset of maturity, with Siamese cats known to mature early, while Persians tend to mature later.
Adoption Rates: The Unfortunate Truth
Female cats take longer to get adopted compared to males, often due to the misconception that male cats are more affectionate.
However, cat behavior is individualistic, making it important to choose a pet based on your bond with them rather than their sex.
Cat Colonies: Where Females Stick Together
Female cats tend to form colonies, collaborating to raise and guard kittens.
In contrast, male cats often stay solitary, avoiding competition for food and potential mates.
The Popularity of Bella
According to a 2021 survey, the most popular female cat name was ‘Bella’.
If you have a Bella in your life, you’re part of a substantial group of cat lovers!
Wealthy Female Cats: Grumpy Cat and Olivia Benson
Finally, two of the top three richest pets are female cats – the internet sensation Grumpy Cat and Taylor Swift’s cat, Olivia Benson.
With their significant online presence and commercial appearances, these feline celebrities have managed to amass a substantial fortune.
Conclusion
In the world of feline fascination, female cats undoubtedly hold a unique charm.
With their record-breaking longevity, remarkable biological phenomena, and even their distinguished status in the realm of wealthy pets, they truly are a marvel of the animal kingdom.
"In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this."
-- Terry Pratchett
