NOCTURNAL VISION
From time to time you've thought it would be cool to have some of your cat's physiology. Your cat can see very well in the dark but why can't you? It's because your cat is a nocturnal creature. Although a cat can't see in total darkness, his or her organs are endowed with functions to be nocturnal-friendly. The wildcat, your cat's ancestor, was dependent on nocturnal vision for survival. Hunting was best done in the dark of night. Nighttime also provided built-in cover and camouflage. Nocturnal vision is, indeed, needed for a cat to survive.

CLIMBING
Climbing is another awesome feat. You've watched a cat zoom non-stop straight up a tree. You got the feeling of jet- propelled motion. What a way to get around! But a cat's descent can be problematic. Sometimes a firefighter must come to the rescue. Curved claws make for a keen climb but not for a swift, easy retreat.

WHISKERS
Your cat has about twelve whiskers on each side of his or her nose. The whiskers contain nerve endings that are connected to the nervous system. This connection makes a cat sensitive to changes in air currents that help to determine navigation. The vibrations of the air currents change depending on where objects are located. This navigational aid is extremely important to a cat that is blind. Such judgment prevents many a wrong turn.

A cat's whiskers are the width of a cat's body and allow a cat to judge whether or not a space is compatible. It must be convenient to have a built-in tape measure. Whiskers also serve as a hunting tool in that they reveal information about the shape and activity of a cat's prey.

The position of your cat's whiskers is an indicator of mood. If the whiskers are pushed back, your cat may be angry or anxious. But if pushed forward, it can be a sign that your cat is happy or inquisitive. Remember never trim your cat's whiskers, you don't want to risk potential disorientation.

PURRING
One of the most obvious expressions of happiness is purring. It occurs when a cat's energy builds up and the muscles in the voice box vibrate as the air passes though the valves when the cat is inhaling and exhaling. The rapidity of this continuous opening and closing creates the purring sound. But a purring cat is not always a happy cat. The same energy build up can be triggered by fear or anxiety. So a cat may start to purr when frightened or threatened. It's not uncommon for a cat to purr during a lengthy vet examination. Such a reaction is usually fear-related.

As you can see cats truly are amazing! Although we don't have the same stunning physiology as cats, we have the good fortune to be able to observe and live with these very cool creatures.