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Domestic Cats: Evolution, Traits, and Care

Domestic cats, scientifically classified as Felis catus, evolved from wildcats in the Middle East around 10,000 years ago. They possess highly developed senses and exhibit intelligence through problem-solving and communication, while their lifespan varies significantly based on whether they are indoor or outdoor cats. Cats play important roles in society as companions and historically in pest control.

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Ji Yeon Joo
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32 views2 pages

Domestic Cats: Evolution, Traits, and Care

Domestic cats, scientifically classified as Felis catus, evolved from wildcats in the Middle East around 10,000 years ago. They possess highly developed senses and exhibit intelligence through problem-solving and communication, while their lifespan varies significantly based on whether they are indoor or outdoor cats. Cats play important roles in society as companions and historically in pest control.

Uploaded by

Ji Yeon Joo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

According to Perplexity…

Scientific Classification and Evolution


●​ Scientific Name: Felis catus
●​ Evolution: Cats evolved from a common ancestor with other felines about 10-12 million
years ago in Asia. Domestic cats are believed to have originated from wildcats in the
Middle East around 10,000 years ago.
●​ Classification: Cats belong to the family Felidae, subfamily Felinae.

Physical Traits and Senses


●​ Senses: Cats have highly developed senses:
●​ Hearing: Can detect frequencies from 48 Hz to 85 kHz, better than humans.
●​ Sight: Excellent peripheral vision (280 degrees) and can see in low light
conditions.
●​ Smell: 200 million odor-sensitive cells, much more sensitive than humans.
●​ Touch: Whiskers are highly sensitive, aiding navigation and hunting.
●​ Physical Features: Retractable claws, powerful bodies, and specialized teeth for hunting.

Behavior and Intelligence


●​ Intelligence: Cats are capable of problem-solving, learning, and adapting to
environments. They have around 250 million neurons in the cerebral cortex.
●​ Social Structure: Generally solitary but can form bonds with humans and other cats.
●​ Communication: Uses vocalizations (over 100 sounds), body language, and scent
marking.

Types of Cats
●​ Domestic Cats: Popular pets known for companionship.
●​ Wild Cats: Include species like lions, tigers, and leopards.

Health and Lifespan


●​ Lifespan: Indoor cats typically live 12-15 years, while outdoor cats have shorter lifespans
(3-5 years).
●​ Health Issues: Prone to diseases like feline leukemia and urinary tract infections.
Roles in Society
●​ Companionship: Provide emotional support and companionship.
●​ Hunting: Historically used for pest control.

Interesting Facts
●​ Unique Features: Each cat's nose pad is unique like a fingerprint.
●​ Sleep Patterns: Cats sleep an average of 16 hours per day.
●​ Vocalizations: Cats have a wide range of vocalizations, unlike dogs.

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