catus

Catus is the Latin specific epithet used in the binomial name Felis catus, the domestic cat. In some classifications the domestic cat is Felis silvestris catus, a subspecies of the wildcat Felis silvestris. The epithet catus is Latin and has appeared in zoological names to indicate feline association.

The domestic cat is a small carnivorous mammal in the family Felidae. It is descended from the African wildcat Felis silvestris lybica, domesticated in the Near East during the early agricultural period, about 9,000 years ago. Cats were valued for pest control and later kept as companions, spreading with human populations across the world. They readily adapt to urban and rural environments.

Typical cats weigh roughly 3.5 to 4.5 kilograms, with body length around 46 cm and a tail of similar length. They have keen senses, especially hearing and night vision, and exhibit remarkable agility. Although commonly solitary hunters, domestic cats can form social groups and establish territories. Communication includes vocalizations such as meowing, purring, hissing, as well as body language and scent marking. They are generally crepuscular, most active at twilight.

In human society, Felis catus is one of the most widespread pets, with substantial populations living as companion animals, strays, or feral cats. They are also noted for ecological impacts as predators and for welfare concerns related to breeding, euthanasia, and cat overpopulation.