People share adorable and unique cat traits people typically don't know about felines

Cats have long held a special place in our hearts as beloved companions, but there's more to these enigmatic creatures than meets the eye. A Reddit user, u/detective_kiara, recently posed a thought-provoking question on the r/AskReddit thread: "What's something people typically don't know about cats until they have one as a pet?" The responses were a delightful mix of surprising facts and heartwarming anecdotes, shedding light on the mysterious world of our feline friends.

One of the most intriguing revelations came from u/YourMothersButtox, who shared: "That they sometimes register smell through their mouth, so they'll sniff something/someone/another cat's butt and then stare at you with their mouth partially open in a most unsettling way." This curious behavior, often referred to as the "smell face," can indeed be quite disconcerting to those unfamiliar with the feline way of life. However, u/fedoraharp chimed in, explaining, "We call that the smell face. It kind of looks like they're horrified by what they've just smelled, even though it's actually just a way for them to perceive the scent more effectively." It's a reminder that cats have their unique methods of exploring the world around them.

Cats are notorious for their independence, but they are also keen observers of human routines, as pointed out by u/GregorSamsaa. "If you have a routine, they will adapt to it," they noted. "My cat gets upset if we stay up late. He goes to lie in his bed and will meow to tell us it’s bedtime. And the flip side though, if we try to sleep in, he wakes us up when we usually wake up lol." This adaptation to human schedules is a testament to the deep connection that can develop between cats and their owners. U/femme-fatal added to this insight, revealing her ingenious way of establishing a routine with her cats. "I created a routine with my cats where I’ll give them treats at night while I take my prescription medication," she shared. "Because there are some days I might forget to take my pills, but the cats sure as hell won’t forget their treat time." It's a heartwarming example of how cats can become an integral part of our daily lives.

Cats' sensitivity extends beyond routines; they also have an uncanny ability to sense when their owners are unwell. u/wanderingstorm shared a touching story of their cat's support during a recovery period. "Cats (like dogs) can sense when you’re not well," they affirmed. "I’m currently recovering from sinus surgery, and my cat didn’t leave my side for 3 days. Extra affectionate. She also seems to sense that my face is currently off-limits to 'boops' as she often does. She’s more back to normal behavior now but I had a nice 'recovery attendant' for a few days." This anecdote showcases the empathy and companionship that cats can provide during challenging times.

Lastly, u/ConfectionersCoffee reminded us that cats have a unique way of expressing trust and affection. "The belly is not necessarily a 'touch and you die' zone - you have to earn the trust to see it and the privilege to rub it," they revealed. "Which is a specific treat with my cat because she LOVES belly rubs but is avoidant of most all people." It's a reminder that every cat is an individual with its own preferences and quirks, and earning their trust can lead to special moments of bonding.

In conclusion, owning a cat is a journey filled with delightful surprises and heartwarming connections. From their intriguing "smell face" to their adaptability to routines, sensitivity to our well-being, and unique displays of trust and affection, cats reveal their complex and endearing personalities to those lucky enough to share their lives. As u/detective_kiara's Reddit thread demonstrated, there's always something new to discover about these enchanting creatures, making the experience of having a cat as a pet truly special.