What can't cats do? - briefly
Cats cannot swim effectively due to their dense fur and lack of swimming instincts. Additionally, they are unable to digest milk after weaning because they lose the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose in dairy products.
What can't cats do? - in detail
Cats are known for their agility, independence, and unique behaviors. However, there are several things that cats cannot do.
Firstly, cats lack the ability to taste sweetness. Unlike humans and many other animals, cats have a mutation in a specific taste receptor gene, making them unable to detect sweet flavors. This is due to their evolutionary history as obligate carnivores, where sweet tastes would not provide any survival advantage.
Secondly, cats are not capable of digesting dairy products effectively. Many cats are lactose intolerant because they do not produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose in milk. Consuming dairy can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Thirdly, cats cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as some other animals. They are unable to sweat through their skin like humans do, relying instead on panting and licking their fur to cool down. In hot environments, this can make them more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Fourthly, cats are not able to change the shape of their pupils independently in each eye. Unlike some other animals, such as chameleons or cuttlefish, cats cannot constrict one pupil while dilating the other. Their pupils respond symmetrically to light conditions, which is an important adaptation for their crepuscular nature but limits their ability to focus on different objects simultaneously with each eye.
Lastly, cats are not capable of producing certain essential nutrients on their own, such as taurine and arachidonic acid. These nutrients are crucial for their overall health, including heart function, vision, and reproduction. Therefore, a cat's diet must include adequate amounts of these nutrients to prevent deficiencies.
Understanding these limitations is essential for cat owners to ensure the well-being and health of their feline companions.