Felis catus
Domestic Cat
Cats are territorial hunters that adapted to living alongside humans. Most behaviour problems are resolved by improving the environment rather than by training the cat.
FelidaeLifespan 12–20 yearsCare complexity 2/5Suitable for beginners
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Felis catus
- Family
- Felidae
- Origin
- Domesticated from the African wildcat in the Near East around 10,000 years ago
- Lifespan
- 12–20 years
- Adult size
- 23–30 cm at the shoulder
- Weight
- 3–7 kg, larger in some breeds
- Temperament
- Independent but socially flexible; strongly attached to territory
- Activity level
- Bursts of intense activity around dawn and dusk
- Social needs
- Moderate; some breeds need constant company, others prefer solitude
- Intelligence
- Strong spatial memory and problem-solving; trains well with food rewards
- Noise
- Usually quiet; some oriental breeds are extremely vocal
Housing and environment
- Housing
- Indoor living with vertical space, or secure outdoor access such as a catio
- Space requirement
- Quality of territory matters more than floor area: height, hiding places and separate resources
- Temperature
- Comfortable 18–28°C
- Humidity
- Not critical
- Exercise
- Two or three short hunting-style play sessions daily
- Grooming
- Self-grooming plus weekly brushing; longhairs need daily attention
Diet and feeding
Obligate carnivore requiring taurine, arachidonic acid and preformed vitamin A
Behaviour and compatibility
Hunting play, scratching, climbing, scent-marking and long daily sleep
- With children
- Good where children are taught to let the cat approach and leave freely
- With other animals
- Introductions must be gradual and scent-led over days to weeks
- Training difficulty
- Moderate — cats learn quickly but work only for genuine motivation
Health
- Chronic kidney disease
- Dental disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Feline lower urinary tract disease
- Obesity
Annual checks, blood pressure and kidney screening from around seven years of age
Special care requirements
One litter tray per cat plus one spare, each in a separate quiet location