As early as 1798, people began to talk about the domestic cat, at that time it was called felis catus. It was named by Carolus Linnaeus in his work Systema Naturae. The scientific classification of this species has been the subject of study by numerous scientists throughout history, who recognized its cultural and biological importance.
Scientific classification of cats
The first scientific name, dating back to 1775, was proposed by Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber, who used the name Happy New Year, since the domestic cat is a subspecies of this wild feline. It is important to note that the use of these designations has changed over time. International Code of Zoological Nomenclature establishes that both «F. catus" as "F. silvestris catus" are suitable to designate the domestic subspecies of the cat.
In practical terms, biologists often use Happy New Year for wild species and felis catus for the domesticated species, even though both were recognized as different subspecies. In its 2003 opinion, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature accepted the use of the name F. silvestris catus to refer to the domestic cat in its domesticated version.
The name "Felis domesticus" appeared in the work The beginnings of nature and in Animal kingdom systemThese terms, however, are not accepted as valid under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, although they continue to be used in various sources of information.
Next, we will break down the taxonomic classification updated domestic cat:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Division: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: carnivora
- Family: Felidae
- Gender: Felis
- Species: Happy New Year
- Subspecies: Patas
The origin of the domestic cat
Today's domestic cats are descendants of wild cats that, approximately 10.000 years ago, began to live with humans in the region of Fertile CrescentThese animals were attracted by the abundance of small rodents found in early farming settlements, and humans, in turn, began to value cats' ability to control pests.
Recent studies suggest that domestic cats are descended from the African wild cat (Bos lybica), a subspecies of the wild cat found in Africa and parts of southwestern Asia. This feline began to approach humans due to the concentration of food in areas where agriculture was developed. This symbiosis allowed cats to become domesticated naturally.
Archaeological research has shown that one of the earliest examples of cat domestication took place on the island of Cyprus about 9.500 years, where feline skeletons have been found along with human remains.
Characteristics of the domestic cat
The domestic cat (felis catus) is a medium-sized carnivorous mammal characterized by a flexible and muscular body. Its fur, which can be of different colors and patterns, is dense and shiny, which provides excellent protection against the weather. Being hunting animals, cats have extraordinary agility and strength that allows them to catch small animals with great ease.
- Dimensions The average size of cats varies between 23 to 25 cm tall at the shoulders, and between 46 and 56 cm in length without counting the tail, which usually measures an additional 20 to 30 cm.
- Weight: Domestic cats typically weigh between 2,5kg and 7kg, although some breeds such as the Maine Coon They can weigh up to 11 kg or even more.
- Physical appearance: A cat's body is slender but strong, with legs that allow it to move quickly and stealthily. They have retractable claws that allow them to climb and catch prey.
Behavior and habits
Domestic cats are predators by nature, and even when domesticated, they display behavior that is clearly geared toward hunting. This includes their ability to stalk and ambush their prey. Although many domestic cats do not have the need to hunt for food, this behavior is still part of their instinct, which is manifested in the way they play or even how they interact with toys and other objects in the home.
One of the main forms of communication between cats is through their vocalizations. Cats can meow, purr, growl and hiss depending on their emotional state. Purring is a soft sound that usually indicates that the cat is relaxed, although sometimes it can be a sign of discomfort or illness.
Unlike dogs, cats are animals territorial and independent. It is common for them to use scent marking to delimit their territory, either by rubbing against objects or marking with their scent glands located on the head and tail.
The cat in culture and history
Throughout history, the cat has been a very important figure in many cultures. In ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred animals, associated with the goddess Bastet, protector of the home and fertility. Even killing a cat was a crime punishable by death.
In the Middle Ages, cats were associated with witchcraft and black cats in particular were considered to bring bad luck, a superstition that has survived to this day in some cultures. However, in other regions, such as Great Britain, seeing a black cat is considered an omen of good luck.
Management and breeding
One week old Savannah puppies.
The management of domestic cats involves not only their feeding and care, but also their reproductive control through sterilization or neutering, a procedure that is recommended to prevent the overpopulation of stray cats. Colonies of stray cats, if not properly controlled, can cause problems for both the species itself and the environment, due to their impact on local fauna.
La sterilization It is one of the most effective measures to prevent these problems. In addition, both in urban and rural environments, it is essential to educate humans who interact with cats so that they understand the importance of this type of control.
In this regard, projects in places such as the Galapagos Islands have been essential to control the population of feral cats that represent a threat to the endemic species of the area. On these islands, wild cats often prey on birds, reptiles and other native animals, which has a significant impact on local ecosystems.
El domestic cat The cat has played a fundamental role in human history and remains a favourite pet around the world. From its origins as hunters to its domestication and integration into our homes, the cat has retained its natural abilities and instinctive behaviours that make it a fascinating and often enigmatic companion.