Did you know that estimates show approximately four million cats are entering animal shelters each year with one to two million being euthanized? The folks behind National Cat Day are on a mission to lower that number by helping more cats find forever homes on October 29.

In the shelters, cats are often overlooked when compared to dogs because they don’t carry titles like walking companion, travel buddy or guardian. But cats have several other redeeming qualities. They help lower blood pressure, decrease stress levels and provide unconditional love. Learn about all of the benefits of owning a cat.

In honor of the upcoming holiday, we thought we’d celebrate with some fun facts that you might not already know about our favorite feline friends:

• Cats make about 100 different sounds while dogs only make about ten.
• Cats sleep a lot! In an average day, a cat spends about two-thirds of it sleeping.
• Similar to a human fingerprint, each cat’s nose print is unique.
• A total of 32 muscles control a cat’s outer ear. (Humans only have six!)
• A cat can jump up to five times its height in one leap.
• Cats only meow at humans. They will typically hiss, purr and spit at other cats.
• A cat uses its whiskers to judge the size of spaces.
• Scientists don’t know exactly how cats purr.
• A cat’s jaw cannot move sideways, so they are unable to chew large chunks of food.
• House cats share approximately 96 percent of DNA with tigers.
• Abraham Lincoln was an extreme cat lover. He shared the white house with his wife and four cats. When asked about his hobbies, Mary Todd replied, “cats.”
• A group of cats is called a “clowder.”

We are all encouraged to spoil our fur babies in honor of National Cat Day. Think about purchasing a new toy, giving them an extra tasty treat and providing additional pets and cuddling. Of course, the best way to celebrate is to save a life. If you have the ability, adopt from your local animal shelter. Let’s work together to decrease the number of homeless animals currently housed in local shelters.

Happy National Cat Day from Lions Pride!