About Cats

Introduction

The domestic cat belongs to the family Felidae, one of the oldest mammalian families, that includes wild cats such as lions, tigers, leopards, etc and there are 38 known species of felines in the world today.

Cats are hunting carnivores with strong predatory instincts, powerful jaws with long, sharp teeth and claws that draw back into their paws when not in use. Cats have exceptionally acute hearing, and eyes adapted for vision in dim light allowing them to easily hunt just before dawn and after dusk.

Domestic cats come in a variety of shapes, sizes and coats and over the years have been selectively bred to establish distinct cat breeds.

The domestic cat is agile, intelligent, friendly and affectionate. The cat is both sociable and independent - as happy with its own company as with the company of other cats or humans.



Cat Behaviour

Although a social animal the cat is as happy in its own company as it is in the company of other cats or humans, and does not "crave" company as a dog does.

The cat is a natural hunter and the hunting instinct is very strong even as young kittens. With domestic cats although hunting is not necessary for food the cat will continue to hunt as their instinct is so strong and they seem to enjoy the adventure.

Cats communicate by sound, posture, ears and tail. Purring indicates pleasure and contentment, whilst the miaow seeks attention and hissing and spitting is a sign of defence. A nervous, frightened or aggressive cat will twitch its ears back or flatten them back against its head. A tail held high is a sign of welcome, whilst a gentle waving of the tip of the tail denotes pleasure or excitement but a twitching of the whole tail is a sign of annoyance.