Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a notable characteristic of the domestic cat's claws?
What is a notable characteristic of the domestic cat's claws?
When did the domestication of the cat begin according to recent findings?
When did the domestication of the cat begin according to recent findings?
What behavior indicates that cats are primarily solitary hunters?
What behavior indicates that cats are primarily solitary hunters?
Which ability is well developed in domestic cats that aids in hunting?
Which ability is well developed in domestic cats that aids in hunting?
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What is a significant consequence of the proliferation of feral cats?
What is a significant consequence of the proliferation of feral cats?
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During which time frame can female domestic cats have kittens in temperate zones?
During which time frame can female domestic cats have kittens in temperate zones?
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What describes the primary diet of the domestic cat?
What describes the primary diet of the domestic cat?
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What percentage of adults in the United Kingdom own a cat as of 2020?
What percentage of adults in the United Kingdom own a cat as of 2020?
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What is the etymological origin of the English word 'cat'?
What is the etymological origin of the English word 'cat'?
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Which distinction was made by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature regarding domestic cats?
Which distinction was made by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature regarding domestic cats?
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What possible languages may have influenced the etymology of the word 'puss'?
What possible languages may have influenced the etymology of the word 'puss'?
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Which classification correctly identifies the subspecies of the domestic cat as per 2007 recommendations?
Which classification correctly identifies the subspecies of the domestic cat as per 2007 recommendations?
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In what era did the evolutionary radiation of the Felidae family begin?
In what era did the evolutionary radiation of the Felidae family begin?
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What was the proposed name for a black cat from the Transcaucasus by Konstantin Satunin?
What was the proposed name for a black cat from the Transcaucasus by Konstantin Satunin?
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What is a common term used to refer to a group of cats?
What is a common term used to refer to a group of cats?
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What term is used for a neutered male cat?
What term is used for a neutered male cat?
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Study Notes
General Information
- Felis catus is the scientific name for the domestic cat, a small, carnivorous mammal and the only domesticated species in the Felidae family.
- Domestication of cats is believed to have occurred around 7500 BC in the Near East.
Characteristics
- Cats are commonly kept as house pets and farm animals; they can also exist as feral cats.
- Valued for companionship and vermin control, cats possess retractable claws, quick reflexes, and sharp teeth.
- They have well-developed night vision and sense of smell, aiding their role as crepuscular hunters.
Communication and Behavior
- Domestic cats communicate through vocalizations (meowing, purring, hissing) and body language.
- They can hear high-frequency sounds undetectable by humans and utilize pheromones for communication.
- Cats typically hunt alone but are social creatures.
Reproduction
- Female cats can have kittens from spring to late autumn in temperate areas; in equatorial regions, breeding occurs year-round.
- Litter sizes usually range from two to five kittens.
Population and Control
- Spaying and neutering are primary methods for controlling cat populations to mitigate issues with feral cats.
- Feral cat populations contribute to the decline of certain bird, mammal, and reptile species globally.
Popularity
- As of 2017, domestic cats were the second most popular pet in the U.S., with around 95.6 million cats in approximately 42 million households.
- In the U.K., 26% of adults own cats, totaling an estimated 10.9 million pet cats as of 2020.
- Worldwide, there are an estimated 220 million owned and 480 million stray cats as of 2021.
Etymology
- The English word "cat" is derived from Old English "catt," with influences from Late Latin "cattus."
- Alternative linguistic roots may stem from an unidentified African language and ancient Germanic languages.
- Terms like "pussy" and "pussycat" emerged in the 16th century, possibly linked to Dutch and Low German.
Gender and Group Names
- Male cats are known as toms or tomcats; females are referred to as queens or mollies when spayed.
- Juvenile cats are called kittens, and groups of cats can be referred to as a clowder, glaring, or colony.
Taxonomy
- Felis catus was proposed by Carl Linnaeus in 1758; later classifications recognized distinctions in subspecies.
- The domestic cat is considered a distinct species, descended from the African wildcat (Felis lybica) based on phylogenetic research.
Evolution
- Members of the Felidae family share a common ancestor from 10 to 15 million years ago, with evolutionary radiation beginning in Asia during the Miocene epoch.
- Mitochondrial DNA analysis indicated a significant evolutionary divergence in the Felidae family occurring 6.46 to 16.76 million years ago.
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Description
Explore the fascinating history of domestic cats, their domestication, and unique characteristics. This quiz delves into the role of cats as companions and their behavior as both pets and feral animals. Discover why Felis catus has become a beloved member of many households worldwide.
