Cats have been domesticated for approximately 5000 years. That is a relatively short time compared to the dog, who has been domesticated for about 15000 years. Cat’s still retain many of their natural predatory instincts. Their hunting skills are what endeared them to the Egyptians, and their mysteriousness condemned them as witches in the middle ages.

Cats are probably descended from the African wild cat and mixed with other wildcat species.

Cats are carnivorous and highly adapted for hunting. They have rounded heads, short muzzles, large eyes, whiskers, pointed ears, short wide jaws, long canine teeth, strong molars, tongues with papillae that aid in drinking water and grooming. They have five toes on their front paws and four toes on their hind paws. The fifth toe is retractable and aids in catching prey. They have long tails that aid in balance. The cat is very flexible. Their vision is excellent, especially in the twilight hours, and they have a keen sense of hearing.