Felis catus

Felis catus, commonly known as the domestic cat, is a small carnivorous mammal that is often kept as a pet. It is the only domesticated species in the family Felidae and is often referred to as the domestic cat to distinguish it from the wild members of the family.

History

The domestic cat was first classified as Felis catus by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of his Systema Naturae published in 1758. However, because of modern phylogenetics, domestic cats are now usually regarded as another subspecies of the wildcat, Felis lybica. This has resulted in mixed usage of the terms, as the domestic cat can be called by its subspecies name, Felis lybica catus.

Characteristics

Domestic cats are known for their agility and grace. They have flexible bodies and teeth adapted for hunting small animals such as mice and rats. A group of cats is referred to as a "clowder" or a "glaring". Male cats are known as "toms" or "tomcats", while females are often referred to as "molly" or "queen". The offspring of a cat is known as a "kitten".

Behavior

Cats are known for their love of play. This behavior mimics hunting and is important in helping kittens learn to stalk, capture, and kill prey. Cats also engage in play fighting, with each other and with humans. This behavior is a training for hunting and fighting.

Health

Cats can suffer from a variety of health problems, including obesity, feline lower urinary tract disease, and a variety of dental diseases. They are also prone to several genetic predispositions such as Polycystic Kidney Disease and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

In Culture

Cats have been associated with humans for at least 9,500 years and are currently the most popular pet in the world. They are often valued by humans for companionship and their ability to hunt rodents.