June is National Adopt a Cat Month, and so if you’ve been thinking about adopting, now is the perfect time! Cats are wild and wonderful, affectionate and independent. They’re fierce and cuddly, frisky and reclusive. And as vets, we know a lot of fun facts about cats! Here are five things that might surprise you.
Fun Facts About Cats That Will Make You Love Them Even More
1. Cats Sleep More Than Almost Any Creature on the Planet
Cats spend somewhere between 13 and 16 hours a day sleeping, which is roughly 70 percent of their lives! But before you roll your eyes, this behavior isn’t laziness. It actually traces back to their wild ancestors. Hunting burns a ton of energy in short bursts, so cats evolved to conserve their energy through long, deep rest. Your cat napping on your laptop is basically a tiny apex predator recharging between missions.
2. A Cat’s Purr May Be Good for Your Health
This is one of those fun cat facts that sounds too good to be true. Cats purr at frequencies between 25 and 30 Hz, and some scientists believe this low-frequency vibration promotes tissue and bone healing, not just in cats but in the humans nearby. So when your cat purrs on your lap, they’re not just snuggling—they might be trying to make you feel better!
3. Cats Have 32 Muscles in Each Ear
Each ear has 32 different muscles, which allow cats to rotate their ears about 180 degrees. Their ears can move independently from each other as well, which is why cats can zero in on a rustling sound from across the house but somehow manage to completely ignore you calling their name from two feet away. They heard you. They just had other plans.
4. Cats Only “Talk” to Humans
They might hiss or growl, but feral adult cats do not meow at each other. Cats evolved that behavior specifically as a way to communicate with people. Every time your cat meows at you, they are using a language they basically invented just for your relationship. So when your cat is “talking,” they are definitely trying to get your attention. (Most of the time, they’re asking for treats.)
5. June Is the Peak of Kitten Season
About 2.2 million cats were adopted from shelters in 2024. That sounds like a lot until you realize millions more never made it out. Shelters see their highest intake of cats every summer, which is exactly why National Adopt a Cat Month falls in June. Adopting this month or donating to your local shelter is a great way to make a difference.
Adopting a Cat: First Steps
- Before you bring your new pet home, create a quiet landing zone. Skipping this step is one of the most common reasons cats struggle to settle in. A single room with food, water, a litter box, and a cozy spot to sleep gives a new cat time to adjust so they can feel safe and confident before they start exploring.
- Book a vet visit right away. Even if the shelter has already done a spay/neuter and started your cat on their first round of vaccinations, you’ll still need to make a veterinary appointment. They’ll help you schedule the next round of vaccines and examine your new pet to make sure they’re completely healthy.
- Buy all your supplies before adoption day. Cat food, a scratching post, a litter box, and a carrier are just a few of the essentials. Our new kitten checklist walks you through everything you’ll need before you bring your cat or kitten home.
- Watch out for signs of stress. Hiding for a day or two after coming to a new home is totally normal. But if your cat stops eating, starts over-grooming, or hides all the time, let your veterinarian know.
Celebrate National Adopt a Cat Month with a Healthy Start
If you’re adopting a cat in Harker Heights, make an appointment at LazyPaw Animal Hospital. We love all cats, and we want to help you give your new kitty the best possible start. From vaccines and microchipping to spaying or neutering, we’ll be here to help with all of your pet’s health needs. Call now to book your cat’s first appointment!
Photo by Sergej Karpow on Unsplash with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/12/26.