{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "cat",
  "name": "Cat",
  "scientificName": "Felis catus",
  "category": "Mammal",
  "summary": "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.",
  "conservationStatus": "Domesticated",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Chordata",
    "class": "Mammalia",
    "order": "Carnivora",
    "family": "Felidae",
    "genus": "Felis"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 4.5,
    "lengthM": 0.5,
    "topSpeedKmh": 48,
    "lifespanYears": 15
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Felis catus"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Carnivore"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Domesticated, worldwide alongside people"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "12–18 years"
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "3.5–5 kg (8–11 lb)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "48 km/h (30 mph) in short bursts"
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Domesticated"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Descended from the African wildcat of the Near East; now kept worldwide.",
    "continents": [
      "Africa",
      "Asia"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [
    {
      "citation": "IUCN Red List — Felis catus.",
      "url": "https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Felis%20catus&searchType=species"
    },
    {
      "citation": "Animal Diversity Web — Felis catus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.",
      "url": "https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Felis_catus/"
    }
  ],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/cat/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/cat/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}