Domestic cats and other species of the genus Felis purr. Purring is a continuous, rattling hum and often is interpreted as an expression of pleasure or contentment. However, purring also occurs in cats that are injured and in pain.

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domestic cat summary

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Q: What family does the domestic cat belong to?

Cat ( Felis catus ), also called house cat or domestic cat, is a member of the family Felidae in the order Carnivora. It is also the smallest member of that family, which includes lions, tigers, and pumas.

Q: What is the lineage of cats?

Studies suggest that there have been two lineages of cats. One lineage appeared in Asia Minor as early as 6,400 years ago, dispersing northward and westward into Europe. The other lineage appeared in Egypt between 6,400 and 1,000 years ago before spreading throughout the Mediterranean. Both lineages continued to breed with the African wildcat during their respective dispersals.

Q: How big is a full-grown cat?

The average weight of a household cat varies from 2.7 to 4.5 kg (6 to 10 pounds), although among non-pedigreed cats weights up to 12.7 kg (28 pounds) are not uncommon. Average lengths are 71.1 cm (28 inches) for males and 50.8 cm (20 inches) for females.

Q: Why do cat eyes glow in the dark?

The retina of the cat's eye is made extra sensitive to light by a layer of guanine, which causes the eye to shine at night in a strong light. Cats' eyes are large with pupils that expand or contract to mere slits according to the density of light.

domesticated mammal

Also known as: Felis catus, domestic cat, house cat

Written by Michael W. Fox

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Jan 22, 2024 • Article History

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Category: Animals & Nature

Also called:: house cat or domestic cat

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What family does the domestic cat belong to?

What is the lineage of cats?

How big is a full-grown cat?

Why do cat eyes glow in the dark?

Why do cats purr?

cat, (Felis catus), domesticated member of the family Felidae, order Carnivora, and the smallest member of that family. Like all felids, domestic cats are characterized by supple low-slung bodies, finely molded heads, long tails that aid in balance, and specialized teeth and claws that adapt them admirably to a life of active hunting. Cats possess other features of their wild relatives in being basically carnivorous, remarkably agile and powerful, and finely coordinated in movement. It is noteworthy that the ancestors of the other common household pet, the dog, were social animals that lived together in packs in which there was ...(100 of 4675 words)

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