National Cat Lady Day isn't just for the ladies: 6 burning questions about cats answered

Staff report
·3 min read
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It's National Cat Lady Day.

Notice the word "crazy" isn't included in that title. Not only would that be an offensive way to denote a mental health crisis, but also, loving cats doesn't imply a lack of sanity.

There are around 60 million cats in the U.S., according to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s measure. From this same source, we know approximately 26% of American households owned cats in 2020.

Whereas having a dog is more like having a child, cats are more like roommates. Some of us just prefer their selective, aloof nature (and it's not just the ladies, either).

To celebrate the day, below are answers to six questions about our favorite felines.

Why do cats 'make biscuits'?

Ainslie Evans, of Milwaukee, takes advantage of the mild spring-like temperatures by taking a walk with her 9-month old cat, Lucia, who is sporting a pair of cat sun glasses at Veteran Park in Milwaukee on Monday, April 10, 2023.
Ainslie Evans, of Milwaukee, takes advantage of the mild spring-like temperatures by taking a walk with her 9-month old cat, Lucia, who is sporting a pair of cat sun glasses at Veteran Park in Milwaukee on Monday, April 10, 2023.

Experts say kneading, or "making biscuits," could be a remnant of kittenhood kneading habits that provide a comfort similar to nursing.

Cats paws also have scent glands, according to Purina, so it may serve a territorial purpose. Or it could mean a female cat is going into heat.

More: She thought she saw a driver throw trash out of their window. She found two kittens instead.

Why do cats meow?

The answer is domestication.

Before cats began living alongside humans as pets, they communicated with each other using their sense of smell or by urinating or rubbing against trees, LiveScience reports. Now, the common household kitty meows to get its owner’s attention.

Why do cats purr?

According to a paper published in the Journal of Zoology, cats purr using their larynx and diaphragm muscles. Elodie Briefer writes that purring is often correlated with positive social situations. This is why your cat may purr when you pet it or when it rubs up against you.

Cats can also purr when they’re hungry, injured or frightened as a self-soothing action. Wired also points out the action serves an important health function. Purring has been proven to aid in the process of bone regeneration.

Most 'likes' for a cat on Facebook

Grumpy Cat, also known as Tardar Sauce, was the most popular cat on Facebook, with 8,759,819 likes as of May 3, 2017. The cat went viral in 2012 after a photo and videos hit the Internet.

Before dying at age 7 in May 2019, she lived with her owner, Tabatha Bundesen, in Morristown, Arizona. She made multiple TV appearances, including a 2013 documentary called "Lil Bub & Friendz," and in 2014 she had her own TV film called "Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever," according to Guinness World Records.

Internet sensation Grumpy Cat died at age 7 in May 2019.
Internet sensation Grumpy Cat died at age 7 in May 2019.

More: This International Cat Day, these world record breaking pets are the real celebrities

Meet Fishtopher: the 'very sad and depressed' cat who found his forever home

Why does my cat lick me so much?

Licking can be a sign of affection and a social bond. According to Purina, the pet food company, cats learn this behavior from their mothers, who lick them to groom them and show affection.

But not all licking is happy licking. Cats can also lick their owners (or other things) for their own comfort and stress reduction, according to Purina. If you’re worried your cat is stressed, it’s probably worth a visit to your veterinarian. Cats can also lick for territorial reasons.

Charlotte the cat lives in 2nd Chance Books, as seen Thursday, April 13, 2023.
Charlotte the cat lives in 2nd Chance Books, as seen Thursday, April 13, 2023.

Should you get a cat?

Yes.

Contributing: Indianapolis Star reporter Jenny Porter Tilley, USA TODAY reporters Natalie Neysa Alund, Saleen Martin, Jacob Livesay, Clare Mulroy, Olivia Munson, Camille Fine.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Happy National Cat Lady Day 2023: Celebrate with key facts on cats