felis

Felis is a genus of small to medium-sized cats in the family Felidae, commonly referred to as the true cats. It includes several living species and the domesticated house cat, with members typically characterized by lithe bodies, sharp retractable claws, and agile hunting abilities.

Extant Felis species commonly placed in the genus include Felis silvestris (wildcat) with regional subspecies, Felis lybica (African wildcat), Felis chaus (jungle cat), Felis margarita (sand cat), and Felis nigripes (black-footed cat). The domesticated cat is usually treated as Felis catus, a domesticated form of the wildcat; some classifications place it as Felis silvestris catus or trace its ancestry to Felis lybica.

Taxonomy and evolution: Felis belongs to the subfamily Felinae within Felidae. Current genetic and morphological studies have clarified relationships among the Felis species and related genera. The domestication of the house cat is believed to have occurred in the Near East, with ancestry tracing back to wildcats related to Felis lybica.

Behavior and ecology: Felis species are typically solitary, territorial carnivores that prey on small vertebrates and insects. They rely on stealth, agility, and keen senses, including night vision and hearing. They occupy a wide range of habitats, from deserts and forests to human-altered environments. The domestic cat has adapted to living with humans worldwide, often benefiting from and contributing to a long history of cohabitation.