There are lots of myths and fallacies about cats. Most of these stem from the Middle Ages when cats were regarded as the accompanists of witches.

We all know how greatly we depend on our own senses, but how well does a cat hear, smell or see?
	Cats and sight
	The shape and setting of a cat’s eyes allow it to see in three dimensions. It has a narrow field of vision because of this arrangement, but is able to accurately judge distance, which is a distinct advantage when trying to catch prey. Cats can see in light six times dimmer than the light in which a human being is able to see. A cat’s eye is very sensitive to movement. This is important when hunting prey at night. Cats can see some colour. It is thought that they can differentiate between blue and green, but probably see mainly in shades. A kitten’s eyes do not open until 7-10 days of age. All kittens’ eyes are blue at first and mature to full development at approx. 3 months of age.
	Cats and Sound
	Cats can hear sounds that cannot be heard by the human ear. They can hear frequencies far into the ultrasound range, well beyond our ability. Keen hearing is important for their hunting. Cats are born deaf but their hearing develops quickly. Cats are sensitive to vibration felt through their pads in their feet. This is another way that they can “hear”. Most blue eyed cats are born deaf, due to a genetic defect. This defect is especially common if the cat has a white coat colour as well.
	Cats and Smell
	A cat can identify a person by their own individual smell. Their sense of smell is much greater than ours. When a cat “smooches” up to you and rubs you with his head or tail he/she is covering you with his/her scent. This is produced from scent glands located on each side of the cat’s forehead, chin, lips and along the tail. This scent is called a pheromone. The cat now knows that you are familiar and belong to him/her. This scent is also deposited on everything in the cat’s surroundings. This product can now be produced artificially and can be sprayed in a new environment, boarding cattery or travel cage to make that environment feel ‘friendly and familiar’ to the cat. Scent attracts a new born kitten to its mother’s nipple. If a cat cannot smell its meal it will not eat it. This is why a cat that develops cat flu often goes off its food.
	Cats and Whiskers
	Cats use their whiskers as a type of measuring device and as feelers. So a cat will know that if the whiskers fit inside a hole or tunnel, that the opening is therefore large enough to accommodate the cat’s entire body and that s/he won’t get stuck. Cats also use their whiskers to ‘feel’. If the whiskers are damaged then the cat will be very traumatized and may even stop eating.