Domestic Cats, Domestic Cat Pictures, Domestic Cat Facts

According to some estimates, nearly 30 percent of U.S. households own at least one cat—including felines like Barnyard here.

Photograph by Laurie McClellan

Map

Domestic Cat Range

Audio

Fast Facts

Type:: Mammal
Diet:: Carnivore
Size:: 28 in (71 cm)
Weight:: 5 to 20 lbs (2.3 to 9 kg)
Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man:

Domestic cats, no matter their breed, are all members of one species. Felis catus has had a very long relationship with humans. Ancient Egyptians may have first domesticated cats as early as 4,000 years ago. Plentiful rodents probably drew wild felines to human communities. The cats' skill in killing them may have first earned the affectionate attention of humans. Early Egyptians worshipped a cat goddess and even mummified their beloved pets for their journey to the next world—accompanied by mummified mice! Cultures around the world later adopted cats as their own companions.

Like their wild relatives, domestic cats are natural hunters able to stalk prey and pounce with sharp claws and teeth. They are particularly effective at night, when their light-reflecting eyes allow them to see better than much of their prey. Cats also enjoy acute hearing. All cats are nimble and agile, and their long tails aid their outstanding balance.

Cats communicate by marking trees, fence posts, or furniture with their claws or their waste. These scent posts are meant to inform others of a cat's home range. House cats employ a vocal repertoire that extends from a purr to a screech.

Domestic cats remain largely carnivorous, and have evolved a simple gut appropriate for raw meat. They also retain the rough tongue that can help them clean every last morsel from an animal bone (and groom themselves). Their diets vary with the whims of humans, however, and can be supplemented by the cat's own hunting successes.

Share

Email

More »

Mammal Videos

Other Backyard Animals

Cat Features

Help Save Big Cats

For just $5, you can help National Geographic's Big Cats Initiative save lions, tigers, cheetahs and other big cats. Upload a photo of your little kitty to show your support!
Cat Quiz

Socks might seem to simply eat, sleep, and play the day away, but there's a lot going on with your feline friend. Test your cat smarts with this quiz!
Little Kitty of the Week

Meet this week's Little Kitty of the Week and browse previous featured kitties. Show your support for big cats and upload a photo of your little kitty today!