The Accidental Invention of Clay Cat Litter
In 1948, a woman named Kay Draper went to a local sawmill to get sawdust for her cat's litter. She was tired of ash tracking throughout her home. The mill owner's son, Ed Lowe, offered her clay instead. This clay, known as Fullers Earth, was used to absorb grease. Ed saw an opportunity and began selling it in pet shops and at cat shows. This accidental invention blossomed into a multi-million dollar business.
Did You Know?
- Sir Isaac Newton invented the cat flap.
- An ailurophile is someone who loves cats. 'Ailuro' is Greek for 'cat'.
- About 40% of cats are left-pawed, 20% are right-pawed, and 40% are ambidextrous.
- A cat’s nosepad pattern is as unique as a human fingerprint.
Speed, Groups, and History
- Cats can run up to 30 mph.
- A group of kittens is called a kindle. A group of cats is a clowder.
- Cats are not mentioned in the Bible, despite their lengthy history with humans.
- The term "tom cat" became popular after a book called "The Life & Adventures of a Cat" in 1760.
Cat Anatomy and Life
- Cats have 30 vertebrae while humans have 25.
- Their body temperature is typically 102 °F.
- Kittens have baby teeth, replaced at 6 months by adult teeth.
- Cats perspire through their paws and breathe 20-30 breaths per minute.
Unique Features
- Front paws have 5 toes; back paws have 4. Cats with more toes are called "polydactyl."
- Cat urine glows under black light!
- Cats use teeth, not claws, to kill prey. Back claws are less sharp due to wear from walking.
More Feline Facts
- Cats have existed longer than humans.
- They walk on their toes and can jump 5 times their height.
- Domestic cats are unique for holding their tails vertically when walking.
- Cats have the largest eyes for their body size among mammals, with 12 whiskers on each side of the nose.