Cats glow in the dark.
Cats are able to glow in the dark
Scientists have found that domestic felines are one of 125 species that have been discovered to have fluorescent properties that illuminate them under UV light.
The ability to glow in the dark has been noted in numerous animals in the past, including human beings, but it is not known how widespread it was.
Experts in Australia reviewed a museum's collection of mammals to find out how many glowed in the dark when a UV light was turned on and found 125 species were able to do so.
The role of fluorescent properties is still unknown but it is likely to help animals of the same species communicate.
The study authors said: "Fluorescence was most common and most intense among nocturnal species and those with terrestrial, arboreal and fossorial habits, with more of their body being more fluorescent.
"It remains unclear if fluorescence has any specific biological role for mammals. It appears to be a ubiquitous property of unpigmented fur and skin may function to make these areas appear brighter and therefore enhance visual signalling, especially for nocturnal species."