Gato

Gato (Spanish for "cat") refers to a domesticated animal known scientifically as Felis catus. Cats are small, carnivorous mammals, which are valued by humans for companionship and their ability to hunt vermin and pests. Cats possess strong, flexible bodies, quick reflexes, sharp retractable claws, and teeth adapted to killing small prey. They communicate with a variety of vocalizations, body language, and pheromones.

Characteristics

Cats have a high breeding rate. Under controlled breeding, they can be bred and shown as registered pedigree pets, a hobby known as cat fancy. Failure to control the breeding of pet cats by spaying and neutering, as well as the abandonment of former household pets, has resulted in large numbers of feral cats worldwide, contributing to the extinction of entire bird, mammal, and reptile species.

Behavior

Cats are known for their cleanliness, spending many hours licking their coats. The cat's tongue has backward-facing spines about 500 micrometers long, which are called papillae. These contain keratin which makes grooming efficient. Cats are known for their solitary nature, though they can form strong bonds with humans and other animals. They communicate through meows, purrs, hisses, and growls.

Diet

Cats are obligate carnivores; their physiology has evolved to efficiently process meat, and they have difficulty digesting plant matter. In the wild, cats eat prey such as insects, small rodents, and birds. A domestic cat's diet varies greatly with the lifestyle of its owner, ranging from industrially manufactured cat food to raw meat.

Health

Common feline health problems include parasites (such as fleas, ticks), infectious diseases, and chronic diseases such as kidney disease, thyroid disease, and arthritis. Vaccinations are available for many infectious diseases, while regular veterinary check-ups can help prevent and treat many health issues.

History and mythology

Cats were first domesticated in the Near East around 7500 BC. They were later brought to Europe by the Romans and spread to the rest of the world during the Age of Discovery. Cats are often featured in mythology and folklore, symbolizing various traits such as independence, curiosity, mystery, and witchcraft. Ancient Egyptians worshipped a cat goddess named Bastet.

Conservation

While domestic cats are abundant and widely distributed, some wild species of cats are endangered. Conservation efforts are necessary to protect these species and their habitats.

See also

• Feline zoonosis
• Cat behavior
• Cat breeding
• Cat health