The domestic cat is also known as Felis catus. Domestic cats are usually small, furry carnivorous mammals that have been around humans for as long as 9,500 years. People have founds cats useful for their strong abilities to hunt various kinds of vermin and other household pests. Since cats have been so close to humans for thousands of years they can be found nearly anywhere in the world. The cat anatomy is very similar to the other felids, both of which have sharp claws that are retractable, sharp teeth that have been adapted for killing small prey, quick reflexes and strong bodies that are very flexible.

Cats hunt alone during the night using their very strong sense of hearing and their keen eyesight that allows them to see in near darkness. Cats have a stronger sense of hearing than humans do and are even able to hear higher frequencies than people can. The ability to hear higher frequencies becomes very useful when hunting rodents, as rodents make high frequency noises which allow the cat to figure out the location of the rodent.

Even though cats hunt alone they are a very social species. Cats will communicate with each other through vocalizations, different body language and pheromones. If you have ever been around a cat you will certainly be familiar with a few of the ways they communicate such as meowing, purring, growling and hissing. Cats use their communication with both humans and other animals as a sign of their emotions.

The skull of a cat is very unique when compared to most all other mammals. It features both large eye sockets and a very powerful jaw that is highly specialized. The jaw of a cat contains teeth that are highly adapted to the task of killing small prey and ripping meat. When a cat catches its prey it will bite the neck with its long canine teeth and insert them between two of vertebrae which will in turn sever the spinal cord, resulting in paralyzation and death soon after.

The typical house cat will live for twelve to fourteen years in captivity, females typically live a year or two longer than males. Cats suffer may from a large variety of diseases including parasites. Vaccinations will prevent many common diseases from effecting domestic cats. It is also recommend that a cat be treated regularly to help eliminate worms and fleas. Cats have a much weaker liver than humans do, as such many things that are not toxic to humans can make a cat very ill or even result in death.