The confirmed perfection of cats is no big surprise for those who adore them. But research points out more than what fantastic companions cats can be. Perfection is in their DNA. And it has evolved over millions of years.
Cats Are Biological Masterpieces
Anjali Goswami of the Natural History Museum in London is positive cats of all species are “quintessential products of evolution.” Whether they are huge like a tiger or tiny like a house cat, they are nature’s perfect predators. Everything from their teeth and bones to their muscles and senses have evolved into excellence.
Cats as a whole group have not changed much in thousands of years. But they don’t need to. Why mess with perfection? Nature seems to agree.
Obligate Carnivores
Cats eat meat. Period. They may love chewing on grass for fun. They may love catnip. But all they really need to survive is meat.
“They’re not jacks-of-all-trades; they’re masters of one,” Goswami says. Evolutionary perfect hunters. Instead of trying to be perfect and gain many skills, cats have simply developed into the best hunters on the planet.
Even their teeth are perfect for their diet as supreme hunters. Fangs for grabbing and tearing meat. Back teeth that have evolved to be almost nonexistent. The don’t have grinding molars, like most omnivores. No chewing vegetation for cats! Keep that in mind when choosing your house cat’s next meal. Less grain, more meat.
Cats Are Cats
Goswami notes that felines of all sizes are very much alike. There might be some minor differences, but overall their design is so perfect, it doesn’t alter much. One feline skull looks remarkable like another. If it wasn’t for size difference, it would be hard to tell them apart.
She says, “Cats have nailed one thing so well that they all do it and just come up with slightly different sizes. That’s why they’re perfect evolutionarily. They don’t need variation. They might get bigger or smaller, but they don’t change anything else, because they’re just right otherwise.”
Special, Specific Skills
Cats have developed distinct skills over millions of years. Things like the ability to nearly always land on their feet are only the start of what makes cats unique. They also have:
- A spine so flexible it can twist 180° mid-jump.
- Superior balance and agility.
- Near silent movement with each step.
- Lightning-fast neuromuscular reflexes.
- Night vision six times stronger than humans.
- Hearing so sharp it can detect frequencies most mammals can’t.
Big cats in the wild and small domestic cats in our homes all possess these special talents. It all lead to making them perfect hunters. And hunting is what cats of all sizes need to do to survive.
Hunters In Our Houses
Does your cat “chitter” at birds through the window? That’s believed to be their anticipation of the hunt. All the plotting in their brain to take down their prey quickly and efficiently. Have you ever watched your calm cat suddenly crouch with dark pupils, ready to attack? That rhythmic bottom wiggle may be adorable, but it’s also millions of years of evolution kicking in.
The cat napping peacefully in your lap or basking in the sunshine can be ready to hunt at a moment’s notice. If they feel like it. Actually, all those hours of slumber are part of the perfect design. No energy is wasted. Cats can explode with play and activity, then fall back into restful recovery.
Keeping Your Perfect Hunter Happy
You don’t need to let your cat outside to actually hunt in order to support their predatory nature. Give them a window if you can where they can watch birds and squirrels and chipmunks. Let them use their perfectly designed senses.
Toys made especially to engage their hunting instincts can fit the bill. Feathery bits on a string cats can leap for. Balls they can chase and catch and pretend to kill. A rag toy your cat can bite and kick and even play tug with. That red laser dot is a great source of play. But it doesn’t allow a cat to feel the V-I-C-T-O-R-Y of the successful hunt. Adding in some toys that can be bitten and “killed” gives a cat extra satisfaction.
But remember, cats hunt and play in bursts. That’s how nature has designed them. So respect that and let your cat direct how much playtime they need. Sleep and recovery is a serious business that requires 12-18 hours a day.
Photo: Marmalade Sleeping Bleep
Better Than Dogs?
Scientifically speaking, yes. Cats are more perfectly evolved than the variety of canine species on the planet. Dogs are still developing. Maybe there’s simply truth in the saying, “Cats rule and dogs drool!” At least when it comes to hunting, cats are the evolutionary winners. Absolutely perfect predators.
