The Evolution Of Domestic Cats: A Taxonomic Journey

domestic cat taxonomy

The domestic cat, or Felis catus, is a member of the Felidae family of the Carnivora order of mammals. It is the only domesticated species in the family and is often referred to as the house cat or simply cat to distinguish it from other felids and felines. Domestic cats are valued by humans for companionship and their ability to kill rodents. They are similar in anatomy to other felid species, with strong, flexible bodies, quick reflexes, sharp teeth and retractable claws adapted to killing small prey. They are social species but solitary hunters, with a range of vocalisations and body language for communication.

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Taxonomy and naming

The domestic cat (Felis catus) is a member of the Felidae family of the Carnivora order of the mammals. Felis catus was proposed by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 for a domestic cat. The domestic cat is a cosmopolitan species and occurs across much of the world. It is the only domesticated species in the family Felidae and is often referred to as the domestic cat to distinguish it from the wild members of the family.

The domestic cat is a member of the Felidae, a family that had a common ancestor about 10 to 15 million years ago. The genus Felis genetically diverged from other Felidae around 6 to 7 million years ago. Results of phylogenetic research show that the wild members of this genus evolved through sympatric or parapatric speciation, whereas the domestic cat evolved through artificial selection. The domestic cat and its closest wild ancestor are diploid and both possess 38 chromosomes and roughly 20,000 genes.

The domesticated cat has been associated with humans for at least 9,500 years, and it is one of humankind's most popular pet animals. The cat is similar in anatomy to the other felid species: it has a strong flexible body, quick reflexes, sharp teeth and retractable claws adapted to killing small prey. Its night vision and sense of smell are well developed. Cat communication includes vocalizations like meowing, purring, trilling, hissing, growling and grunting as well as cat-specific body language.

The scientific name of a cat is Felis catus. When maintained as a pet, it is sometimes referred to as the house cat, or simply the cat, when there is no need to distinguish it from other felids and felines. Cats are smart, highly specialised animals that have acquired a variety of morphological adaptations and sensory talents to accommodate their carnivorous diet. Domestic cats (Felis catus) live in commensal relationships with humans wherever they are found. Cats can now be found on all continents and numerous oceanic islands, thanks to the fast-rising human population, which is occupying more and more isolated parts of the earth.

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Physical characteristics

Domestic cats, scientifically known as Felis catus, have a diverse range of physical characteristics that highlight their adaptability and agility. They possess unique physical traits that distinguish them from other felines and contribute to their effectiveness as predators.

One of the most notable features of domestic cats is their size. They have an average head-to-body length of 46 cm and typically weigh between 4 to 5 kilograms, with males being larger than females. This relatively small size, compared to other felines, allows them to navigate through tight spaces and hunt in confined areas.

Domestic cats have a flexible and agile skeletal structure, with extra lumbar and thoracic vertebrae, enhancing their spinal flexibility and mobility. This unique framework enables them to twist, turn, and move with ease, which is crucial for hunting and navigating their environment. Additionally, the presence of free-floating clavicle bones in their forelimbs allows independent movement, further improving their agility and hunting abilities.

The skull of a domestic cat is designed for strength and efficiency as predators. Their large eye sockets accommodate powerful jaws, which, in turn, house sharp teeth adapted for stabbing and cutting. The premolar and first molar together form a carnassial pair, acting like a pair of scissors to efficiently shear meat into small pieces. This dental structure is crucial for delivering a lethal neck bite to their prey.

Another distinctive feature of domestic cats is their retractable claws. The ability to protract and retract their claws allows them to move silently, an essential aspect of stalking prey and ambush hunting. Their claws are typically sharper on the forefeet than on the hind feet, and they can voluntarily extend them for hunting, climbing, or extra traction.

Domestic cats also possess keen senses, including exceptional night vision and a strong sense of smell. Their large eyes have slit pupils, which enable them to focus bright light without chromatic aberration and adapt to low-light conditions. Additionally, their sense of smell is aided by a well-developed olfactory bulb and a large surface of olfactory mucosa, about twice the size of humans'.

In summary, the physical characteristics of domestic cats showcase their evolutionary adaptations for survival and their successful coexistence with humans. Their size, agility, strong jaws, sharp teeth, retractable claws, and enhanced senses make them efficient predators, well-suited to both wild and domesticated environments.

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Behavioural traits

Social Behaviour

Domestic cats exhibit a wide range of social behaviours, with varying levels of friendliness and aggression. British Shorthairs, for instance, tend to have the lowest tendency to seek human contact, while Korats are the most likely to do so. Turkish Vans are the most aggressive towards people and other cats, while British Shorthairs, Persians, and Cornish Rex cats are the least aggressive. Russian Blue cats are the shyest towards strangers, and Burmese cats are the least shy.

Non-Social Behaviour

In terms of non-social behaviour, Cornish Rex, Korat, and Bengal cats are the most active breeds, while British Shorthairs are the least active. Russian Blue cats are the most likely to display shyness towards novel objects, and House cats, Norwegian Forest Cats, Turkish Vans, and Maine Coons are prone to wool sucking. Burmese and Oriental cats exhibit excessive grooming behaviours, and Oriental and Persian cats are more likely to have owner-evaluated behaviour problems.

Hunting and Feeding Habits

Domestic cats are highly specialised hunters, employing ambush and pouncing techniques to deliver a lethal neck bite to their prey. They have retractable claws, strong bodies, and sharp teeth, making them efficient predators. Their hunting and feeding habits have a significant impact on wildlife, especially in Australia and the United States, where they prey on reptiles and mammals.

Communication Methods

Domestic cats communicate through vocalisations, body language, and pheromones. They produce a range of sounds, including purring, trilling, hissing, growling, grunting, and various forms of meowing. Body language indicators include the position of their ears and tail, overall body relaxation, and behaviours like paw kneading. Pheromones play a crucial role in marking territory and conveying emotions.

Social Structure

Domestic cats typically display a solitary social structure but can form colonies when resources are abundant. They can form strong bonds with humans, often viewing them as mother surrogates. Male domestic cats tend to fight more often than females due to competition for mating, and neutered cats may exhibit territorial behaviour and aggression towards other cats.

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Evolution and domestication

The evolution and domestication of cats offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and development of our feline companions. Recent genetic studies indicate that domestic cats emerged from a specific wildcat species called Felis silvestris lybica, native to the Middle East. This evolutionary journey is marked by significant milestones and adaptations that have shaped how the domestic cat evolved into the companion we know today.

Ancestry of Domestic Cats

Recent genetic studies indicate that domestic cats likely descended from the African wildcat, emphasizing the significance of genetic research in understanding their ancestry. The earliest known indication of the taming of an African wildcat occurred around 7500–7200 BC, with archaeological evidence in Cyprus showing a burial of a human and a cat's skeleton about 9,500 years ago.

Process of Domestication

The rise of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent around 10,000 years ago created conditions favoring cat-human cohabitation. Wild cats chose to live near human settlements to hunt rodents and avoid predators, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship. The domestication of cats predominantly involved natural selection, unlike dogs, which were largely domesticated through artificial selection. Humans gained pest control from partially domesticated cats, while cats benefited from a steady food supply near human habitation.

Differences from Wild Relatives

The genus Felis includes various small cats, with domestic cats being unique due to their domestication and adaptability to human environments. Unlike dogs, which show significant variations due to selective breeding, domestic cats have retained many physical features of their wild ancestors. When hunting, domestic cats exhibit behavior such as presenting trophies to their owners, possibly as a bonding gesture. Overall, domestic cats display both significant physical adaptations due to domestication and changes in their behaviors compared to their wild relatives.

Physical Characteristics of Domestic Cats

The domestic cat, scientifically designated as Felis catus, is known for its varied breeds and adaptations to living alongside humans. The average head-to-body length of domestic cats is 46 cm, and they typically weigh between 4 to 5 kilograms. These physical characteristics highlight the adaptability and agility of domestic cats.

Behavioral Traits of Domestic Cats

Felis catus is recognized for its distinctive behavioral traits, such as territoriality and grooming habits, which are essential for hygiene and social communication. Domestic cats are equipped with acute senses, long tails, and specialized teeth designed for hunting, making them efficient and adaptable predators.

Sibling Cats: Can They Breed?

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Breeds

Domestic cats (Felis catus) are divided into three types based on where and how they live.

Domestic Pets

These are cats that are kept by a person or a family, who meet the majority of their requirements.

Stray Cats

These are cats that are found in and around cities, towns, and rural areas. They may rely on certain human-provided resources, but they are not owned.

Feral Cats

These are cats that live, breed and survive in the wild by hunting or scavenging. People do not purposefully meet any of their requirements.

There are many different breeds of domestic cat, including:

  • Persian
  • Siamese
  • Maine Coon
  • Ragdoll
  • Bengal
  • British Shorthair
  • Sphynx
  • Abyssinian
  • Burmese
  • American Shorthair
  • Scottish Fold

The Domestic Shorthair label encompasses the whole range of moggies that do not fit under any specified breed. They have existed since at least 2000 BC and appear in a variety of forms, sizes, and colours.

Frequently asked questions

The scientific name of the domestic cat is *Felis catus*.

The domestic cat belongs to the kingdom *Animalia*, phylum *Chordata*, class *Mammalia*, order *Carnivora*, family *Felidae*, genus *Felis*, and species *Felis catus*.

The domestic cat was first classified by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.

* A: The domestic cat is the only domesticated species in the family Felidae, which includes wild cats such as leopards, lions, and tigers. The domestic cat is most closely related to the African wildcat (*Felis lybica*), from which it diverged through artificial selection.

Domestic cats and wild cats share many physical characteristics, including flexible bodies, strong limbs, and tongues with prickly papillae for grooming and tearing meat. Domestic cats are typically smaller than their wild counterparts, weighing between 2-5 kilograms on average. They also have some behavioural differences, such as a greater affinity for humans and a preference for living in close proximity to human settlements.

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