Think you know cats? Take this pop quiz and find out.

1. Do cats sleep all day and play all night?
   Cats sleep about 60-75% of the time, but may be more active at night. My own theory is that they doze with one eye open and an ear cocked just in case something happens that is worth waking up for. Rarely have I arisen in the middle of the night to find my four otherwise occupied (although I do find unexplained tufts of fur scattered throughout the house). Cats sleep to consume energy for the hunt and survival sprint.
2. Should female cats be allowed to have a litter of kittens before being spayed?
   Studies have shown that it is actually healthier to spay them early, before their first heat. There is less chance of developing breast tumors and uterine infections besides the fact that there are too many unwanted kittens being born. We neuter and spay our kittens at eight weeks.
3. Isn’t Cat Scratch Fever just a song?
   Indeed it is not! Cats carry a plethora of bacteria in their mouths and on their claws, so anyone bitten or scratched by a cat is at risk of developing a fever and swollen glands. Always disinfect a bite or scratch immediately and watch it closely for a couple of days. See your doctor if symptoms appear.
4. All cats love catnip, right?
   While most cats do enjoy this herb, 25% do not. A specific gene must be present in their genetic makeup for catnip to have any effect on the animal. Kittens, even if they do carry the gene, show no interest in the plant until around six months of age.
5. Is declawing safe?
   Declawing is barbaric, a painful amputation of the first knuckle of each digit. Declawed cats are often relinquished to shelters because they’ve become biters and have bad potty habits. Better to invest in a good cat tree than declaw.
6. Can kittens be separated from their mothers as soon as they are eating solid food?
   For optimum health, kittens should nurse for a minimum of eight weeks to receive antibodies through the queen’s milk protecting them from disease. Suckling provides comfort and, if they are separated too soon from mom, they may find something or someone else to suck on the rest of their lives. Also the mother is there to teach her young social etiquette and how to use a litterbox.

Congratulations if you scored 100. You certainly do know cats!