How many deer do you notice? No, the dear aren’t the lethal weapons, but cute nonetheless!
Would you consider Cot a lethal weapon? If you say no, you might want to reconsider! We should be thankful that God didn’t see fit to give kitties wings! Cats have been referred to as steel wrapped in fur!
Let’s start with their eyes. GROK has this to say:
A cat’s eyes are remarkable for their structure and function, adapted for hunting and survival. Here’s a concise overview:
Anatomy and Features:
• Pupil Shape: Cats have vertical slit pupils, which can open wide in low light to maximize light intake or narrow to a thin slit in bright conditions, offering precise control over light entering the eye. This helps them detect motion and judge distances effectively.
• Retina and Tapetum Lucidum: The retina contains many rod cells for low-light vision and fewer cone cells for color perception (cats see some colors, mainly blues and greens). The tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer behind the retina, enhances night vision by reflecting light back through the retina, causing the glowing effect seen in the dark.
• Field of Vision: Cats have a wide field of view (about 200 degrees compared to humans’ 180 degrees) and excellent peripheral vision, ideal for spotting prey or threats.
• Night Vision: Cats can see in light levels six times lower than humans due to their high rod cell count and the tapetum lucidum, making them crepuscular hunters (active at dawn and dusk).
Visual Acuity and Limitations:
• Cats are nearsighted, with sharpest focus on objects 2–3 feet away, suited for ambushing prey. Distant objects are less clear compared to human vision.
• Their color vision is limited, and they rely more on motion and contrast than color detail.
Behavioral Aspects:
• Cats’ eyes communicate emotions: dilated pupils may indicate excitement, fear, or playfulness; narrowed pupils can signal aggression or focus; slow blinking often shows trust or affection.
• Eye colors vary widely (blue, green, yellow, orange, or heterochromia—two different colors), often linked to genetics and coat color (e.g., blue eyes in Siamese or white cats).
This combination of features makes a cat’s eyes highly specialized for their predatory lifestyle and environment.
Cyle’s eyes are extremely dilated in this picture. All the better for seeing in dark areas! All the better to visually track his prey!
Cot’s eyes aren’t quite as dilated in this picture, but trust me-he SEES!
Let’s look at claws. GROK states:
A cat’s claws are specialized structures crucial for survival, hunting, and behavior. Here’s a concise overview:
Structure and Anatomy:
• Composition: Claws are made of keratin, the same protein as human nails, and grow from a specialized nail bed within the last bone of each toe.
• Retractable Design: Cats are unique among mammals for their retractable claws, controlled by flexor and extensor tendons. When relaxed, claws are sheathed within skin folds, protected and kept sharp. They extend for gripping, climbing, or striking.
• Shape and Sharpness: Claws are curved, sharp, and pointed, ideal for grasping prey, climbing, or defense. They naturally shed outer layers (husks) every few weeks, revealing a sharper claw beneath.
Functions:
• Hunting and Defense: Claws are primary tools for catching and holding prey, delivering precise strikes, and defending against threats.
• Climbing and Traction: They provide grip for climbing trees, furniture, or rough surfaces and aid in quick turns or sprints.
• Scratching and Marking: Cats scratch to maintain claw health (removing old layers), mark territory (via scent glands in paws), and stretch muscles. This is an instinctive behavior.
Behavioral Aspects:
• Scratching is normal but can be destructive indoors. Providing scratching posts redirects this behavior.
• Claws reflect a cat’s mood or intent: extended claws may signal play, aggression, or alertness.
• Some cats “knead” with claws partially extended, a comforting behavior linked to kittenhood.
Let me tell you, I’ve been playing with the boys before and paid the price for not being quick enough! I’ve also not realized how close in proximity I’ve been before only to get ‘hooked’ by Cyle who was just reaching out to ‘touch’ me and get my attention! Ouch!
How about those teeth?
Some years ago, while trying to poke a pill down Cyle’s throat, he managed to get one of his fangs into the inside knuckle of my thumb where it bends. Needless to say, I ended up with life threatening cellulitis and 4 days later and $27,000 later, I was released and recovering from it. GROK has this to say:
A cat’s fangs, technically called canine teeth, are key to their predatory lifestyle and survival. Here’s a concise overview:
Structure and Anatomy:
• Location and Number: Cats have four canine teeth—two upper and two lower—positioned prominently in the front of the mouth. These are long, sharp, and slightly curved.
• Composition: Like claws, fangs are made of dentin covered by enamel, with a pulp cavity containing nerves and blood vessels. They’re deeply rooted in the jaw for strength.
• Size and Shape: Fangs are longer and more pointed than other teeth, designed for piercing and gripping. In domestic cats, they’re smaller than in big cats (e.g., lions), but proportionate for their prey.
Functions:
• Hunting and Killing: Fangs deliver precise, lethal bites, often targeting a prey’s neck to sever the spinal cord or major blood vessels. Their shape ensures a secure grip on struggling prey.
• Eating: Cats use fangs to tear and shear meat, as their carnivorous diet relies on ripping rather than chewing extensively (molars handle smaller grinding tasks).
• Defense and Communication: Fangs are used in self-defense or territorial disputes. Bared fangs signal aggression, fear, or dominance.
Behavioral Aspects:
• Cats may show fangs during play, hissing, or yawning, reflecting mood or instinct. For example, a hiss with visible fangs warns of discomfort or threat.
• Kittens develop milk canines at 3–4 weeks, replaced by adult fangs around 6 months during teething.
Cats’ fangs are specialized for their carnivorous nature, balancing function and survival.
That’s why I am glad they are wingless! Can you imagine if even the domesticated cat had wings?
Fortunately, kitties are great companions and do not hunt humans! Now, for the big breed kitties-that could be another story altogether!
Work was busy, but with no doc tomorrow, I should have my desk in order about mid morning or so.
That’s gonna be it for today. Take care and enjoy the rest of your day wherever you are! 🙏🌏🙏
👣🐑☕️🌞😸😻🙀😁😎👍🌜🌙🥱😴
NKJV John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
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Picture taken by me and altered by cliptocomic app
@elizabethbit is a member of ladiesofsgs4eva
a sweet group of lady stackers of SGH
