Cats

Cats are small carnivorous mammals in the family Felidae. The domestic cat, Felis catus, is believed to have arisen from the wildcat Felis silvestris lybica and was domesticated in the Near East around 9,000 years ago. Today, domestic cats are kept as pets and also live in human-influenced environments around the world, from urban to rural areas.

Anatomy and senses: Cats have flexible bodies, sharp retractable claws, and keen senses that aid predation. They possess acute hearing and night vision and rely on whiskers to sense nearby objects and changes in their surroundings. Their grooming behavior helps maintain fur, regulate temperature, and communicate.

Behavior and reproduction: Cats are obligate carnivores and typically hunt small animals. They can be solitary or social, forming flexible social groups. Communication includes vocalizations such as meowing, purring, hissing, and chirping, as well as body language and scent marking. Females come into heat several times a year; gestation lasts about 58-67 days, with litter sizes commonly 2-5 kittens. Kittens are usually weaned at 4-12 weeks and reach sexual maturity around 5-9 months.

Domestication and human society: Domestic cats are kept for companionship and pest control: their role ranges from working animals to popular pets. There are many breeds and varieties recognized by cat registries. On a broader scale, feral and free-ranging cats contribute to wildlife predation and face welfare concerns; management strategies include adoption programs and spay/neuter campaigns. Common health issues include parasitic infections, dental disease, and viral infections such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).