Cats always give people an impression of being agile and capable of anything. They can jump lightly to high places, elegantly navigate through narrow spaces, and even capture prey accurately in the dark. However, these seemingly perfect felines actually have things they cannot do. A Japanese pet columnist, Shiho, has compiled five things that cats are not good at, so let's take a look together!
Cats and Water: Understanding Their Natural Aversion
Cats are not naturally adept at swimming. They have an innate fear of water, and most cats are unwilling to get wet, let alone swim. The reason for this aversion could be due to the fact that wet fur leads to a drop in body temperature, affecting their mobility. It might also be linked to their ancestors living in arid regions, which instilled a natural wariness of water in them.
However, certain breeds like Maine Coons and Abyssinians are relatively less fearful of water. Some may even actively engage in playing with water, but it's rare for cats to swim as comfortably as dogs do.
Understanding How Cats See the World
Color Perception in Cats
Cats lack the visual cells necessary to perceive red, which means they cannot distinguish between red and orange. The colors they can see are primarily limited to blue, green, and yellow. However, these colors appear less vibrant and more muted compared to how humans perceive them. You might worry about how they manage in a world with less color clarity, but rest assured, cats have excellent motion vision, allowing them to detect even the slightest movements. Additionally, their night vision is highly developed, making it no problem for these natural hunters to navigate even without seeing a colorful world.
Adaptations for Survival
Cats' visual abilities are tailored for their role as predators. Their eyes are designed to excel in low-light conditions, thanks to features like the tapetum lucidum, which enhances light sensitivity, and vertically slit pupils that can dilate significantly to let in more light. This adaptation allows them to hunt effectively at dawn and dusk, when their prey is most active.
While cats may not see the world in the same vibrant colors as humans, their unique visual capabilities make them formidable hunters. Their ability to detect motion and navigate in dim light more than compensates for their limited color perception, ensuring they thrive in their environment.
Why Cats Are Not Naturally Talented at Learning Tricks
Cats are not naturally inclined to learn tricks like "sit" or "shake hands", which are simple commands for dogs. This is because learning such behaviors is not instinctual for cats. Cats are inherently independent, and their actions are often driven by their own interests rather than a desire to please humans. However, this does not mean that cats cannot learn tricks at all. If trained in a way that interests them—using treats or toys as rewards—some cats can learn basic commands like "come" or "high-five". Nonetheless, cats typically choose to do only what they feel is worthwhile, as being controlled is something they dislike the most!
Cats and the Mystery of Sweet Taste
Humans have a deep affection for sweet foods, but cats are completely unable to understand what "sweet" tastes like. This is because cats lack the genes necessary for their taste receptors to detect sweetness. Although cats cannot perceive the sweetness of sugars, they may react to the sweetness produced by amino acids. For example, cats might be highly sensitive to the sweetness of amino acids like glycine or alanine found in meat or fish. This also explains why cats have a strong preference for fish and chicken but show no interest in cakes or candies.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their diet primarily consists of meat. Their taste preferences reflect this dietary specialization, with a focus on umami and savory flavors rather than sweetness. The inability to taste sweetness is a result of a genetic deficiency that renders their sweet taste receptors non-functional. Despite this, cats have a unique way of experiencing flavors through their Jacobson's organ, which allows them to "taste-smell" aromas and pheromones.
Understanding how cats perceive taste can help us better cater to their dietary needs and preferences. By focusing on their natural inclination towards meat-based flavors, we can provide them with more appealing and nutritious food options.
How Cats Regulate Body Temperature
Unlike humans, who can regulate their body temperature through sweating, cats lack this ability. Their sweat glands are primarily located on their paw pads and nose. While they may slightly sweat from these areas in hot weather, it is insufficient for cooling down. To dissipate heat, cats will often stretch out to increase their surface area for heat loss or lick their bodies. The saliva left on their fur evaporates, helping to lower their body temperature. Additionally, cats minimize their activity and rest in cooler spots to reduce energy expenditure.
Conclusion
Cats may not be able to do many things, but this doesn't mean they are inferior to other animals. They have their own unique abilities and ways of perceiving the world. The pleasure of having cats is in understanding and embracing their individuality, respecting their natural behaviors, and letting them be happy cats on their own terms.
