Sometimes, no matter how thorough your research, certain details just slip through. Here are some cat facts that might come as a shock to you.

1. Cat breeds matter

“All I want is a cat. I don’t care things as trivial as breed!”

That was precisely my sentiment when I was looking up cat adoption ads online. It didn’t even cross my mind to ask the previous owner about it.

But as it turns out, your cat’s breed does play a part in their personality type. As such, choosing a cat breed that will complement you, your lifestyle, and your household is of some importance.

For instance, if you already own a dog, you might consider adopting a more sociable cat that is likelier to get along with your canine child, such as a Birman or a Ragdoll.

Some of these might be surprising. Some aren’t exactly head-scratchers.

Either way, this post serves as a journal documenting my first few puzzling cat mum moments with Mateo, rather than an informative guide. So please, reserve your judgements.

1. Cats can’t eat most human foods.

Anyone more familiar with what dogs can consume might have the impression that the same goes for their feline counterparts. However, there’s an extensive list of foods that are highly cat-unfriendly, and right at the top are onion and garlic – the two ingredients present in essentially all cooking.