The old saying that a cat has nine lives is now treated lightly, but many people still think that a cat can fall many stories and emerge alive, and even unhurt. Again, not so. Feline grace and sinewy muscles may spare a cat harm in a short tumble, but many cats die every year in falls from high places. Scientific tests have shown that cats can find their way home even after being driven several miles and dropped in a strange place. Scientists believe that cats have a built-in homing mechanism that is tied to a sensitivity to the Earth's magnetic field.
Most cats give birth to between one and nine kittens.
Cats are extremely sensitive to vibrations and there are many reports of cats acting strangely prior to earthquakes. Apparently, cats are able to detect the first tremors 10 or 15 minutes before humans can. Cats lick their fur, not only to keep clean, but to smooth it out so that it will be a better insulator in cold weather. By licking the fur and making it wet, the cat can cool itself off in hot weather. Most adult cats weigh from 6 to 12 pounds.