Cat Classification Overview

Study Notes

Cat Classification Overview

Classification of cats follows a hierarchical structure from broad to specific categories.
Each level of classification provides increasing specificity about the organism.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom:
- All cats belong to the Animal kingdom, indicating they are multicellular, eukaryotic organisms.
Phylum:
- Classified under Chordata, which signifies the presence of a notochord at some stage, along with a dorsal nerve cord and other characteristics.
Class:
- Cats fall under the class Mammalia, indicating they are warm-blooded vertebrates that possess mammary glands and typically have fur or hair.
Order:
- Part of the order Carnivora, which comprises species primarily noted for their flesh-based diets and adaptations for hunting.
Family:
- Belong to the family Felidae, which is distinguished by their retractable claws and acute senses as skilled predators.
Genus:
- Cats are classified within the genus Felis, representing small cats and their close relatives.
Species:
- The specific species name is Domesticus, which identifies domestic cats that have adapted to human environments.

Key Notes on Domestic Cats

Domestic cats exhibit a range of behaviors and traits that differentiate them from wild relatives within the Felidae family.
Understanding this taxonomic classification aids in studying the evolutionary biology and ecological roles of domestic cats.

Description

Explore the hierarchical classification of cats in this quiz. Understand how cats fit into the broader animal kingdom and delve into their taxonomy from kingdom to genus. This overview offers insights into the unique characteristics that define various levels of classification within the feline family.