Cat

The cat (Felis catus), also called domestic cat and house cat, is a small carnivorous mammal. It needs to eat meat to stay healthy. Cats have special claws they can hide in their fur, which help them catch small animals like mice and rats. They have strong, flexible bodies, quick reflexes, and sharp teeth. Cats can see well in the dark and have a great sense of smell.

Cats are a social species but hunt by themselves. They talk in different ways, including meowing, purring, and using body language. They can hear sounds that humans cannot hear, like those made by small mammals. Female cats can have kittens from spring to late autumn in places with mild winters, with litters usually having two to five kittens.

The domestic cat is the only domesticated member of the Felidae family. Studies from archaeology and genetics show that cats were first tamed in the Near East around 7500 BCE. Today, cats live all over the world. People love them as pets and for helping control vermin. Some cats are pets, while others live away from people.

Etymology and naming

The word "cat" comes from very old languages. In Old English, it was "catt." This might have come from a Late Latin word "cattus." The Latin word may have roots in an African language.

Cats have special names. A male cat is called a "tom" or "tomcat." A female cat is called a "queen." A young cat is called a "kitten." When many cats are together, they can be called a "clowder."

Taxonomy

The scientific name Felis catus was given to the domestic cat by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Studies later showed that domestic cats came from the African wildcat (F. lybica). Experts now think the domestic cat is its own species, Felis catus.

Evolution

Main article: Cat evolution

The domestic cat belongs to the Felidae family, which shares a common ancestor from about 10 to 15 million years ago. The Felidae family began evolving in Asia during the Miocene around 8 to 14 million years ago. The genus Felis, which includes domestic cats, genetically diverged from other Felidae around 6 to 7 million years ago.

The domestic cat's genome was first sequenced in 2007. Cats and their closest wild ancestors both have 38 chromosomes and about 20,000 genes. This genome helps scientists study cat migration and diseases.

Domestication

See also: Domestication of the cat and Cats in ancient Egypt

For a long time, people thought cats were first domesticated in ancient Egypt, where they were highly valued around 3100 BCE. But newer findings show that the earliest known taming of an African wildcat was found near a human grave in Shillourokambos, in southern Cyprus, dating back to about 7500–7200 BCE. These wildcats were attracted to early human settlements by rodents, especially the house mouse (Mus musculus), and were tamed by farmers. As farming spread, so did the presence of tame cats.

The earliest evidence of domestic cats in Greece dates to around 1200 BCE. Through trade, cats spread across southern Europe. By the time of the Roman Empire, they had reached places like Corsica and Sardinia. Eventually, domestic cats made their way even to northern Germany.

In China, around 5500 BCE, a different cat species, the leopard cat, was also tamed, though this line did not contribute to today’s domestic cats.

Cats have changed very little since they were domesticated. Their natural behaviors—such as being small, social, playful, and intelligent—made them easy to keep as pets. They also groom themselves well and bury their waste, which helps keep them cleaner than many other pets. The development of different cat breeds began in the mid-19th century, with many breeds coming from ordinary domestic cats.

Characteristics

The domestic cat is a small carnivorous mammal, smaller than the European wildcat. Adult cats usually measure about 46 cm (18 in) from head to body, with tails around 30 cm (12 in) long. Males are generally larger than females, and they typically weigh between 4–5 kg (8.8–11.0 lb).

Cats have a flexible spine and special claws that can be extended and retracted. Their claws are usually sheathed and kept sharp by not touching the ground. Cats can extend their claws when hunting, climbing, or playing. They walk on their toes and use a special gait that helps them move quietly and with balance. This balance allows a cat to land on its feet even after a fall from a short height. Their diet is mostly meat because they need nutrients found only in animal tissue.

Senses

Cats have great senses that help them stay safe. Their eyes are very good at seeing in the dark because of a special layer called a tapetum lucidum. This layer acts like a mirror and makes light brighter. Cats can see in very dim light, even though they don’t see colors as well as people do.

Cats also have very good hearing. They can hear sounds from far away and even hear very high-pitched noises that people cannot hear. Their whiskers, or vibrissae, are very sensitive. They help cats move around in the dark and feel objects.

Behavior

See also: Cat behavior

Outdoor cats are active both day and night, usually more at night. They stay close to home but can travel far. Cats create areas called territories that can be very large. They are most active near dawn and dusk because they can see well in low light. They also change their activity based on their owners’ schedules.

Cats sleep a lot, often 12 to 16 hours a day, and sometimes even more. They take short naps and can fall asleep quickly. As they get older, they tend to sleep even more.

Cats can behave in different ways depending on where they live and their genes. Some cats live alone, while others gather around food sources. In these groups, one cat is usually in charge. Each cat has its own area, and males usually have larger areas than females. Cats mark their areas in different ways. They avoid strangers and may chase them away if they enter their area.

Living with humans and other pets has helped cats become more social. Cats often show affection to their owners. Some cats may not get along well with new kittens or other cats.

Cats communicate using sounds like purring, meowing, hissing, and growling. They also use body language, such as ear and tail positions, to show how they feel. A raised tail means a friendly greeting, while flattened ears show anger. Cats also greet each other by touching noses and may groom each other.

Cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves by licking their fur. Their tongues have tiny spines that help clean their coats. Sometimes, they swallow fur and need to pass it through their system. Regular brushing can help with this.

Cats are smart and can learn new things, solve problems, and remember information for many years. They learn by watching their mothers and through trying things out. Cats enjoy playing, especially with toys that look like small animals. Play helps them practice hunting skills.

Cats hunt small animals like birds and rodents. They can stalk their prey or wait in ambush. Cats are important for controlling pests. In some places, cats help protect bird populations by eating other small predators.

When cats fight, it is usually over mating rights or territory. Males fight more often than females. Fights are usually short, and serious injuries are rare. Neutering can reduce fighting behavior.

Lifespan and health

The average lifespan of pet cats has increased over recent decades. In the early 1980s, it was about 7 years, but by 1995 it had risen to 9.4 years. Today, the average lifespan is about 13 years. Neutering can increase a cat's life expectancy by about one year and offers some health benefits.

Cats can suffer from many health issues, including infections, parasites, injuries, and chronic diseases like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and arthritis. Vaccines and treatments are available to help protect cats from many infections and parasites.

Main article: List of feline diseases

Cat care and welfare

Cat owners who learn more about cats can take better care of them. It is important to keep cats away from harmful plants like lilies, tulips, and philodendrons. Also keep cats away from medications such as acetaminophen and aspirin, and foods like grapes, onions, garlic, and chocolate.

Professional groups such as The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the American Association of Feline Practitioners offer guides to help care for cats. These guides suggest giving cats clean water every day, brushing their coat, keeping a clean litter box, and taking them to the veterinarian at least once a year. They also recommend creating a safe and fun environment with cozy spots, play areas, and gentle interaction.

Ecology

The domestic cat is found all over the world, on every continent except Antarctica, and on many islands including the remote Kerguelen Islands. These cats can live in many different places, from forests and grasslands to cities and farms.

Some domestic cats live wild, called feral cats. They are not used to people and often live in groups called colonies. These cats sometimes eat small animals, which can change nature in some places.

Interaction with humans

Main article: Human interaction with cats

Cats are common pets around the world. In the United States, many homes have at least one cat. People keep cats to help catch pests like mice and rats, especially in places where food is stored or on ships.

Some people treat their cats like family members, giving them extra care. There are also special events called cat shows where cats are judged on how they look and behave.

History and mythology

Long ago, many cultures loved cats. The ancient Egyptians respected cats so much that they treated dead cats like very important people. In art, cats are shown hunting small animals, showing their natural skills. Cats were often linked to gods and goddesses. For example, in ancient Egypt, the goddess Bastet looked like a cat. Stories from old times tell us that people in Greece and Rome valued cats for catching pests like mice.

Cats appear in tales and beliefs from many places. In Japan, a special statue called the maneki neko is thought to bring good luck. In some stories, cats are seen as wise spirits helping people. Even today, cats are loved pets and symbols in many cultures around the world.