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Cats


Cats and Kittens
Source: L. Prang & Co.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae

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The scientific family of cats is called Felidae. There are two subfamilies of the Felidae: All cats are mammals. Go here to read more about mammals.

If you want to read more about big cats see lions, tigers, cheetahs, or clouded leopards. The rest of this page is about the domestic cat.

The Domesticated Cat

The domesticated cat is one of the most popular pets in the world. It is thought that cats have been kept as pets for thousands of years. Most people consider themselves cat or dog people depending on the pet they prefer, but many people like both dogs and cats.


Maine Cat
Source: The Book of the Cat

Cat Breeds

There are lots of types, or breeds, of cats. Cats come in many different colors, sizes, with hair, without hair, and with or without tails. Some of the most popular breeds include the Maine Coon, the Persian, the Siamese, and the American Shorthair.

How big do they get?

Cats usually weigh between 5 and 16 pounds, assuming they are healthy. An unhealthy fat cat can weigh quite a bit more. A cat that is kept indoors will typically live for 15 to 20 years. Cats have very good hearing. Their ears have 32 different muscles that enable them to point their ears in any direction. Cats are extremely agile and also have good night vision. These characteristics make cats good hunters.

Working Cats

Cats first became so popular as pets because they are skilled at catching rodents. They are very quick and can catch mice, rats, and other rodents in tight spots and in the dark. Cats are also very intelligent. Because of this cats are often used in barns and in ships to keep rodents under control

What is a group of cats called?

A large group of cats is called a clowder. A baby cat is called a kitten. A male cat is referred to as a tom, while a female cat is referred to as queen.

Cats as Pets

Cats can be good pets, but one must be very careful around them. Cats have sharp teeth and claws. It's best to play with cats with toys and not to push or wrestle with them with your hands. There are expert cat trainers who can help you with your new cat as well.

Fun Facts About Cats

Spangled Cat
Author: Flamingice007sg via Wikimedia
For more about cats:

Cheetah - The fastest land mammal.
Clouded Leopard - Endangered medium size cat from Asia.
Lions - This big cat is King of the Jungle.
Maine Coon Cat - Popular and large pet cat.
Persian Cat - The most popular breed of domesticated cat.
Tiger - Biggest of the big cats.

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