Cats, The Domesticated Carnivores
Cats (Felis Catus) are the only tame and domesticated animals from the Falidae family. These species diverged from wild cats and adapted to the human lifestyle thousands of years ago during early agricultural societies.
They are small, carnivorous mammals with strong senses and agility. Most of them have a close connection with humans for their companionship and loving behavior, except for feral cats. Cats make popular pets and are available in several breeds across the world.
Scientific Classification of Cats
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Mammalia |
Clade | Felidae |
Order | Carnivora |
Species
The Falidae family has around 40 species of cats, including small and big wild cats. The domesticated cat is one of these species, sharing a common ancestry and traits. However, cats can be categorized based on their breeds.
The International Cat Association has classified 73 breeds of cats as of today. These breeds are formed based on a small mutation of physical characteristics or a crossbreed between two cats.
Common Breeds of Cats
Persian |
Bengal |
Egyptian Mau |
Sphynx |
Maine Coon |
Balinese |
Description
They are a natural breed with long and thick fur. They are calm and sleepy throughout the day. |
These crossbreeds, with leopard cat ancestry, have spotted coats and energetic personalities. |
It is a rare natural breed with spotted hair tips. They are strong, muscular, and the fastest among all cat breeds. |
These cats genetically mutated with a hairless body and wrinkly skin. They are social extroverts and high energy. |
These natural breeds are the largest breed of cats. They have a dense fur coating and are highly social. |
They are mutations of the Siamese breed and have sharp blue eyes and a loud voice. |
Physical Characteristics
- Size and Weight: Each cat breed varies in size and weight. On average, they are 18 inches tall and have a 12 inches tail. Adult cats can weigh between 4-5 kg. Maine Coons, the largest cat breeds can weigh as much as 10 kg!
- Speed: Cats are agile and quick runners. They can run up to 50 kph but usually cover short distances before their heart rate increases. With or without running, cats can jump as high as eight feet
- Body Structure: Flexibility and agility are the main characteristics of cats. They have flexible vertebrae and spine support allowing them to twist and bend. This lets them travel through narrow spaces easily.
- Teeth and Jaw: Cats have 30 teeth with strong canines to catch their prey. At six months of age, a cat has a full set of teeth in its mouth. They use molars to slice meat because they cannot chew their food.
- Claws and Ambulation: The claws are sharp and retractable through which they hunt food, climb walls, and defend themselves. They also tiptoe on these claws to move without making a noise.
- Coat and Coloration: Except for hairless cats, all other breeds have fur on their entire body with long whiskers. Fur colors vary with the most common ones having black, white, gray, orange, or ginger colors. Some also have spots or patterns of a different shade across their body.
Size and Weight
Speed
Squirrels Speed and Tail
Distribution and Habitat
Domestic cats live across all areas of the world except for extreme temperate regions such as the Arctic and Antarctic. They can survive in various environments including coastal areas, deserts, and forests. Since they have a friendly relationship with humans, they are also found in rural agricultural and urban areas.
Although they can survive mild cold, they often seek shelter during winter months. Pet cats live comfortably in their owner’s place while feral cats roam around the city to find a comfortable shelter.
Diet and Digestion
Cats are carnivores by nature and require meat intake to fulfill their dietary needs. Their diet should include fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Since they are mammals, the newborn kittens feed on their mother’s milk for 6-8 weeks. As they become adults, they digest 50-60% protein and 30-50% of fat from their food to sustain a healthy life.
Pet cats are given commercially prepared food with high nutrition and freshwater sources. On the other hand, feral cats hunt small mammals such as mice, birds, and insects for food. They also find food from garbage with their strong sense of smell.
Behavioral Adaptations
Social Interaction
Most cats are highly social in their communities, as well as, among humans. They are mostly solitary hunters and go in silence when seeking food. However, they sometimes form feral colonies and cooperate around shared food sources. Among these, adult males show dominance over others.
Territorial Establishments
Cats like to mark their territories with scent markings or physical boundaries. They use urine spraying to create their area and sharp claws to scratch surrounding surfaces. The males form larger territories, overlapping with females for breeding. In case of a territorial conflict, the cats first use their voice and sometimes engage in aggressive fights.
Sleep and Energy Conservation
On one side cats are quite active and energetic, and on the other side, they demand a longer sleep time. On average, a cat rests 12-16 hours a day and conserves energy for hunting and playing. They are active during dawn and dusk, following the characteristics of wild cat sisters.
Communication
Cats communicate among themselves through voice, body signals, and scent markings. Common cat sounds include meowing, hissing, and purring. They also communicate by moving their tail, ears, and facial features.
Cleanliness and Grooming
Not all cats are clean. Feral cats living under garbage or dirty colonies adapt to that lifestyle. However, they try to groom themselves as much as possible. They try to balance their body oils across their skin and keep their fur untangled. It also helps them regulate their body temperature and survive in various environments.
Fun Fact: Cats spend 30-50% of their time daily to groom themselves.
Reproduction and Lifespan
Female cats attract multiple male cats by going into heat and making them compete for mating. They can also mate with various males at once. The pregnancy period lasts between 64-67 days after which they give birth to kittens. A female on average gives birth to three kittens in each litter.
Mother cats then look after her newborns, feeding them milk until they are 6-7 weeks old. These kittens can sustain themselves after 12 weeks of age and start seeking new homes. Female cats reach sexual maturity between 6-12 months while males reach the stage between 5-7 months of age.
Mortality Rate and Lifespan
Domestic cats have an average lifespan of 13-15 years. The lifespan can vary depending on the cat’s living habits, for example, a neutered, castrated male can live twice the age of an unneutered male. Similarly, spayed females have a 62% higher chance of long life as compared to others, Some felines can even cross 20-30 years of age.
Mortality Rate and Lifespan
25% of squirrel species die within the first year of their birth. The lifespan of a male squirrel is about 2 to 3 years, while a female squirrel lives from 4 to 6 years. The annual mortality rate of squirrels is 75 percent.
Death cause: falling out of trees is the common reason for squirrels ‘ death. Youngs fall from nests and die. Every year, about half of all squirrels die due to this cause.
Ecological Importance
Being natural predators of small animals such as insects and birds, cats help control the small mammalian population. However, they can also have a negative impact on the local wildlife. Feral and free-ranging cats roaming around areas have fierce hunting behavior that may lead to biodiversity loss. The complex role of cats requires them to be well-distributed across regions to balance the impact it has on the overall ecosystem,
Conservation Status and Efforts
With a very high population and breed diversity (in millions), cats are not endangered at all. Domesticated feral cats tend to harm native wildlife, causing conservation concerns.
Trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs help to reduce the reproduction of such cats without harming the animals themselves. They also enforce rules to keep domestic cats indoors and away from endangered domestic species that are prey to the cats.
Cats Fun Facts
- Cats can barely taste sweetness due to their genetic mutation that has reduced their sense of taste.
- The unique identifying body part of a cat is their nose. No two cats have the exact same.
- Cats are lactose intolerant and can easily catch diseases.
- Although shortsighted during the day, cats have special night vision and can see in low light.
- Cats have highly flexible ears that can rotate up to 180 degrees.
- A cat stretches itself every time it wakes up to improve blood circulation.
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
What do cats love to do?
Cats enjoy hunting, playing, grooming themselves, and sleeping (12-16 hours a day to conserve energy).What is so special about cats?
Cats have a unique combination of agility, strong senses, and independence while maintaining a close bond with humans. Their night vision, ability to twist through narrow spaces, and retractable claws are also special physical traits.Do cats recognize their owners?
Yes, cats recognize their owners mainly through scent, sound, and body language.Do cats protect their owners?
While cats aren’t typically protective like dogs, they can show concern for their owners and may respond to unusual situations with heightened alertness.Do cats watch you sleep?
Cats may observe you while you sleep as they are naturally curious creatures and often active during dawn and dusk.What does it mean if a cat sleeps on you?
It indicates trust and affection. Cats seek warmth and comfort, and sleeping on you shows they feel safe.How to tell if your cat loves you?
Cats show love by purring, rubbing against you, kneading, and following you around.Do cats know their names?
Yes, cats can learn to recognize their names, though they may choose not to respond as consistently as dogs.Do cats have a favorite person?
Yes, cats often form strong bonds with one person, typically the one who feeds and cares for them the most.What does it mean if a cat licks you?
Licking is a sign of affection and bonding. Cats groom others as part of social bonding.Do cats get attached to one person?
Cats can form strong attachments to one person, though it varies with individual cats.Why does my cat bite me gently?
Gentle bites, often called “love bites,” are a form of communication or play, not aggression.Why does my cat lick me then bite me?
It’s a mix of affection and play behavior. Cats may lick to groom and bite gently as part of playful interaction.Why does my cat stare at me?
Cats stare for various reasons, including curiosity, seeking attention, or affection.What does it mean when cats put their teeth on you?
It’s usually a gentle way of communicating or a sign of affection, not meant to hurt.What does it mean when your cat grabs you and bites you?
It could be playful behavior or a sign they want attention or space. Cats sometimes use biting to communicate when they’re overstimulated.Why does a cat follow you to the bathroom?
Cats are curious and often want to stay close to their owners. Following you is a sign they feel attached.Why does my cat sleep on me?
It’s a sign of trust and affection, and they enjoy the warmth your body provides.How to discipline a cat?
Use positive reinforcement rather than punishment. Redirect undesirable behavior by offering toys or treats.How to teach a cat no?
Use a firm voice or a short, sharp sound like clapping to interrupt undesirable behavior and then redirect them to appropriate activities.What kills the smell of cat urine?
Enzymatic cleaners work best to eliminate cat urine odor, as they break down the proteins in the urine.Should I put a litter box where my cat is peeing?
Yes, if a cat is peeing in a specific area, placing a litter box there can encourage them to use it.Does adding baking soda to cat litter help?
Yes, baking soda can help neutralize odors in the litter box.What to avoid in cat litter?
Avoid litters with strong fragrances or chemicals that could irritate your cat’s respiratory system.What litter do veterinarians recommend?
Most veterinarians recommend unscented, clumping litter with minimal dust.Is the dust from cat litter harmful?
Yes, dust can be harmful, especially for cats with respiratory issues. Choosing low-dust or dust-free litter is preferable.Should I wear a mask when cleaning cat litter?
If you’re concerned about dust or allergens, wearing a mask while cleaning the litter box is a good idea.What is the best cat litter for no dust?
Crystal litters and some natural litters (like corn or walnut-based) tend to be low-dust options.
Learn More About Cats
On this page, you are invited to explore our articles about the fascinating behaviors of domesticated cats.
These articles answer common questions about cats, including their diet, daily habits, social interactions, reproductive cycle, and how they bond with humans in different environments.
Scroll down to discover more about the unique traits of cats and learn what drives their actions and behaviors.
Bengal Cats
Bengal cats have captured the hearts of cat lovers worldwide with their exotic looks and dynamic personalities. Known for their
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a rare and unique breed, known for its naturally spotted coat, incredible speed, and striking appearance.
Persian Cats
Persian cats are one of the most recognizable and adored cat breeds in the world. With their long, flowing coats
Sphynx Cats
If you’re looking for a cat that breaks the mold, the Sphynx cat is one of the most unique breeds