Animal Profiles
Mammals

Cat

Felis catus

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The domestic cat is a small carnivore with a flexible body and retractile claws. It uses scent, posture and sounds to communicate.

selective focus photo of gray tabby cat

Photo by Erik-Jan Leusink on Unsplash

At a glance

Location
Human settlements worldwide, with free-ranging and feral cats in many regions.
Habitat
Towns and cities
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Animal prey, including small mammals and birds; many domestic cats receive prepared food.

Classification

Common name
Cat
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Felis catus
Taxon rank
species
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Claws are usually retracted while walking.
  • Whiskers provide tactile information.
  • Rubbing and scratching can leave scent signals.

Habitat and range

Human settlements worldwide, with free-ranging and feral cats in many regions.

Appearance and adaptations

A flexible spine and sharp claws assist climbing and hunting. Whiskers provide tactile information, while the ears move to help locate sounds.

Diet and behaviour

Cats mark familiar places with scent from rubbing and scratching. Free-ranging individuals can hunt independently, even when they also receive food from people.

More photos

selective focus photography of short-fur black cat

Photo by Maria Teneva on Unsplash

Sources

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