Katten

Katten is the Dutch word for cats, used to refer to domestic cats as a species or to cats in general. In Dutch, katten is the plural of kat, and the term appears in everyday language when discussing pets, wildlife, or folklore involving felines.

The domestic cat is a small carnivorous mammal in the family Felidae. Most classifications place it as Felis catus or Felis silvestris catus, a subspecies of the wildcat Felis silvestris. Domestic cats are distributed worldwide, adapting to urban, rural, and suburban environments. They exhibit a wide range of coat colors and sizes, but share characteristic features such as retractable claws, acute senses, and a flexible, agile body.

Behavior and ecology: Cats are obligate carnivores and often hunt small prey. They are known for independent behavior but can form social groups; communication includes vocalizations such as purring and meowing, along with tail, ear, and fur-raising signals. Reproduction: gestation around 63–65 days; litter sizes typically 2–5 kittens. Domestic cats often live with humans as pets, but also inhabit feral populations.

Relationship with humans: Cats have been kept as companions for thousands of years, valued for pest control and companionship. They appear in art, literature, and religion across cultures. Modern welfare emphasizes responsible ownership, neutering, vaccination, and environmental enrichment to support health and well-being.