Sensory Abilities

Question 1

True or False:

Some receptors found in the deeper skin layers can detect vibration between 200 and 400 Hz.

Answer 1

True. This is why cats can detect vibrations through the pads of their feet.

Question 2

A layer of reflective cells immediately behind the retina is called the _____.

Answer 2

Tapetum. The tapetum increases the cat’s low light vision another 40%.

Question 3

The sign of a cat using its vomeronasal organ is known as the _______.

Answer 3

Flehmen response. The Flehmen response is indicated by the upper lip being raised and the mouth held slightly open for a few seconds.

Question 4

The pinnae or outer ear plays a vital role in the cat hearing system. An additional advantage the cat has in regards to the pinnae is ____?

Answer 4

Mobility. The cat’s ability to move the pinnae creates a great advantage for the cat in pinpointing the location of a sound.

Question 5

The cat’s sense of smell is probably most similar to what other mammal species?

Answer 5

Dog.

Question 6

What are the 3 categories of cat skin receptors?

Answer 6

1. Mechanoreceptors (touch & pressure).
2. Thermoreceptors (temperature)
3. Nociceptors (paint)

Question 7

What do vibrissae (whiskers) help cats with?

Answer 7

Short term navigation, if it can fit through spaces, the size of prey once caught

Question 8

The vestibular system regulates a mammal’s?

Answer 8

Sense of balance.

Question 9

What colors do cats see best?

Answer 9

Blue and green.

Question 10

What color are cats not able to see?

Answer 10

Red.

Question 11

True or False:

A cat’s hearing is far superior to a human’s hearing?

Answer 11

False. It is better adapted to some tasks (localizing the source of sound), but less able to distinguish quick sounds such as those used in human speech.