Crepuscular predator cats have developed a lot of senses. They perceive the world differently from humans. It is perhaps for this reason that they are associated with supernatural powers. There are several stories that tell of cats having predicted earthquakes and other disasters, escaping before the phenomenon. The explanation is probably linked to the perception of frequencies not audible to humans.
The cat can see in very low light condition thanks to the tapetum lucidum, formed by layers of cells containing the crystals reflecting placed under the retina, whose function is to reflect the light amplified. Like man, the cat has a binocular vision which allows them to perceive distance.
By day, his vision is less efficient but still captures movements well, though it is difficult for them to distinguish the details of objects. His ability to see colours is disputed. Recent studies have shown the opposite, confirming the ability of the cat to see in colour. Some research shows them to have a certain amount of colour blindness; they confuse white with yellow, and red with dark green.
Hearing
Like many predators, the cat has a keen ear. Among mammals, the amplitude of the cat is considerable and reaches up to 50000 Hz. The increased sensitivity to high frequencies favours the hunt for rodents that emit high frequency characteristics.
The majority of white cats (over 60%) are deaf in one or even two ears. The cat was born normal, but after a week his ear instead of developing, undergoes progressive changes. Degeneration is completed after three weeks.
Smell
The cat has 19 million olfactory endings, compared to our 5 million. Actually it has sensitivity to various nitrogen compounds, allowing the animal to determine, with great sensitivity, whether the meal is rancid and spoiled. Dogs bite the mouthful that is given, whilst the cat inspects by sniffing.
The Jacobson Organ, is missing in humans but is present in other species like dogs and horses, and is able to detect both olfactory gustatory sensations with the specific purpose of transmitting sensory stimuli to the sexual centres of the brain. Smell is also important in their sex life. The male can smell the female hundreds of meters away.
Taste
They have a highly developed sense of. The little cat perceives sweet flavours. Unlike the dog, the cat feels the taste with the tip of the tongue; this allows him to swallow mouthfuls directly.
Touch
Even his sense of touch is well developed. His whiskers, called vibrissae, allow him to perceive small changes in air pressure and perceived obstacles. It is also thanks to them that they are able to orient themselves in absolute darkness and perceive the size of small spaces. They also have whiskers under his chin and eyebrows. The bearings under the feet are very sensitive to vibration and its skin is covered with highly sensitive tactile cells.
Balance when falling the vestibular organ
The vestibular organ is most widespread, giving them a good sense of balance. This explains his special ability to turn over during a fall to fall on his legs. If a cat falls from more than two meters (if it is not the case, his technique does not work) even if it is on its back, it can turn over by turning its head first towards the ground, then the front paws and then those behind. The cat is found then with the belly toward the ground and takes a position that is reminiscent of flying squirrels. This manoeuvre does not always manage to save its life.
No related posts.
