Cat
Felis catus
Quick answer
The domestic cat is a small carnivorous mammal and one of the most popular pets in the world, descended from the African wildcat. Cats are agile night hunters with excellent low-light vision, retractable claws, and a strong independent streak, and they typically live 12 to 18 years. There are around 70 recognized breeds.
Cat facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Felis catus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Domesticated, worldwide alongside people |
| Lifespan | 12–18 years |
| Weight | 3.5–5 kg (8–11 lb) |
| Top speed | 48 km/h (30 mph) in short bursts |
| Conservation status | Domesticated |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Felidae |
| Genus | Felis |
Behavior and the hunt
Even well-fed house cats keep the instincts of a solitary ambush predator. They stalk, pounce, and play out the full hunting sequence, which is why toys that move trigger such intense focus. Cats are most active at dawn and dusk and can sleep 12 to 16 hours a day to conserve energy between hunts.
Senses and the body
Cats have superb low-light vision, sensitive whiskers that gauge gaps and air movement, and hearing that reaches well beyond the human range. Their retractable claws stay sharp for climbing and gripping prey, and a flexible spine lets them right themselves in mid-air and almost always land on their feet.
Cats and humans
Cats domesticated themselves around 10,000 years ago in the Near East, drawn to the rodents that gathered around early farms. Unlike dogs, they were valued more as pest controllers than as workers, and they retain much of their wild independence. Purring, kneading, and slow blinking are all signs of a relaxed, contented cat.
Health and care
Cats need a meat-based diet, fresh water, clean litter, and regular veterinary care. Keeping cats indoors or supervised protects both the cat and local wildlife, since free-roaming cats are skilled hunters of birds and small mammals.
Frequently asked questions about the Cat
What are cats descended from?
Domestic cats are descended from the African wildcat (Felis lybica), a small wildcat from the Near East and North Africa. They began living alongside humans roughly 10,000 years ago.
How long do cats live?
Indoor cats typically live 12 to 18 years, and many reach their early twenties with good care. Outdoor cats tend to live shorter lives due to traffic, predators, and disease.
Why do cats purr?
Cats usually purr when they are content, but they also purr when injured or stressed. The vibration may have a self-soothing and even healing effect, and it is also used to communicate with people and kittens.
Can cats see in complete darkness?
No. Cats cannot see in total darkness, but they see far better than humans in very low light, needing only about one-sixth of the light we do thanks to a reflective layer behind the retina.
How many cat breeds are there?
There are around 70 recognized cat breeds, though the number varies by registry. Most pet cats are not purebred but mixed-breed domestic shorthairs and longhairs.
