Cat

The cat (Felis catus), also called domestic cat and house cat, is a small carnivorous mammal. It is an obligate carnivore, requiring a predominantly meat-based diet. Cats have retractable claws that help them catch small prey like mice and rats. They are known for their strong, flexible bodies, quick reflexes, and sharp teeth, as well as excellent night vision and a strong sense of smell.

Cats are a social species but hunt alone. They communicate in many ways, including meowing, purring, and using body language. They can hear sounds too faint or high in frequency for human ears, such as those made by small mammals. Female cats can have kittens from spring to late autumn in temperate zones, with litters usually containing two to five kittens.

The domestic cat is the only domesticated member of the Felidae family. Evidence from archaeology and genetics shows that cats were first domesticated in the Near East around 7500 BCE. Today, cats live all over the world and are loved for their companionship and ability to control vermin. Many cats are kept as pets, while others live as feral cats, avoiding human contact.

Etymology and naming

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

Cats have many special names. A male cat is called a "tom" or "tomcat," and 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. Later, in 2007, studies showed that domestic cats likely came from the African wildcat (F. lybica). By 2017, experts decided to treat the domestic cat as 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. It is believed that 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 amazing senses that help them survive. Their vision is especially good in the dark thanks to a special layer in their eyes called a tapetum lucidum, which acts like a mirror to boost light. Even though they can't see colors as well as humans, they can see in very low light.

Cats also have excellent hearing, picking up sounds from far away and even detecting very high-pitched noises that humans can't hear. Their whiskers, or vibrissae, are super sensitive tools that help them navigate in the dark and feel their way around objects.

Behavior

See also: Cat behavior

Outdoor cats are active both day and night, usually more so at night. They stay close to home but can travel many hundreds of meters. Cats create areas called territories that can be 7 to 28 hectares (17 to 69 acres) in size. They are most active near dawn and dusk because they are good at seeing in low light. However, they also change their activity based on their owners’ schedules.

Cats sleep a lot, often 12 to 16 hours a day, and may sleep up to 20 hours. They take short naps and can enter light sleep quickly. As they age, they tend to sleep even more.

Cats can behave in different ways depending on genetics and environment. Some cats live alone, while others gather in groups 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 by spraying urine, rubbing their heads on objects, and defecating. 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 and can mimic the sounds a baby makes. 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 by licking.

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, which can create hairballs. Regular brushing can help prevent hairballs.

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. As of 2014 and 2023, the average lifespan is about 13 years. Neutering can increase a cat's life expectancy by about one year and offers some health benefits, though it can also lead to weight gain if the cat eats more.

Cats can suffer from many health issues, including infections, parasites, injuries, and chronic diseases like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and arthritis. There are about 250 known genetic disorders in cats, many of which are similar to diseases in humans. 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 know more about cats usually take better care of them, avoiding harsh punishment. It is important to keep cats away from harmful substances such as certain plants like lilies, tulips, and philodendrons, as well as medications like 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 stimulating environment with cozy spots, play areas, and regular 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 can affect wildlife, sometimes eating birds and other small animals, which can change the balance of nature in some places.

Interaction with humans

Main article: Human interaction with cats

Cats are common pets around the world. As of 2024, they are the second most popular pet in the United States, with millions of homes having at least one cat. People keep cats to help control pests like mice and rats, especially in places where food is stored or on ships.

Cats are also used in some industries to make products from their fur, though this practice is now banned in many places. Some people treat their cats like family members, giving them extra care and attention. There are also special events called cat shows where cats are judged based on their appearance and behavior.

History and mythology

In the past, many cultures respected and admired cats. The ancient Egyptians admired cats so much that they treated dead cats like important people. In art, we see cats hunting small animals, showing their natural skills. Cats were often linked to gods and goddesses. For example, in ancient Egypt, the goddess Bastet was shown in the shape of a cat. Stories from ancient times tell us that people in Greece and Rome also valued cats for catching pests like mice.

Cats have appeared 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 guiding people. Even today, cats remain beloved pets and symbols in many cultures around the world.