The Domestic Cat

                                                                          Description of Species
Domestic cats, Felis domesticus, are very much like their wild relatives in being basically carnivorous, powerful, and yet agile and athletic in movement. Cats can be very charming when they want warmth, food and affection.  Yet they remain aloof and independent; even the smallest cats have the pride of a lion and do exactly as they please.  And though domestic cats can’t roar, they purr by vibrating the bones at the base of their tongue.

                                                                                      Habitat
The domestic cat is highly adaptable, and lives in a wide range of habitats. Cats are grouped into basically two categories: those that are solitary and those that live in groups. Group living cats tend to live in smaller areas than do solitary cats. History has shown that females tend to live alone or in small groups of other females, while males are more solitary and do not form a close bond to females.

                                                                              Natural History
Cats have been domesticated for at least 5,000 years, and  played a vital role in Egyptian history. During this time rodents spread disease and ate the Egyptians grain reserves; feral cats, in turn, controlled the rodent population.  Recognizing the value of the cat, the Egyptians came to worship it and a bond was formed; to this day, it’s considered good luck to own a cat.  The bond between the Egyptians and the cat became so strong that anyone who killed a cat was punished by death.  When a royal cat died, it was mummified and the owner shaved off the eyebrows in mourning.

                                                                                  Evolution
Cats began to evolve around 500 million years ago, long before humans walked the earth. It was a weasel like creature called Miacides and is the ancestor of all living carnivores. Miacides then evolved into felis domestica, which had long fang like teeth.  All cats are grouped into the Family Felidae. 

                                                                              Other Cat Info
Every cat has one marking in common.  It’s a tear-stripe at the corner of each eye. Also,  many cats have spots behind their ears. The spots are used for communication and are a symbol of aggression.  They may also represent eyes and discourage a potential enemy that comes from behind.  Cats also prefer a vantage point from which they can see and not be seen; stalking silently, watching their prey before striking.  Cats are the supreme predator and will probably always fascinate humans with their unique behavior.
Cats have evolved to walk and run on their toes.  Their eyes have a special mirror like surface inside the eyeball that traps light. This is why their eyes appear to shine at night.  They have excellent night vision.  However, contrary to popular belief, cats can’t see in total darkness.