The cat (Felis catus), also known as the domestic cat or house cat to distinguish it from other felines and felids, is a small predatory carnivorous species of crepuscular mammal that is valued by humans for its companionship and its ability to hunt vermin, snakes, scorpions and other unwanted household pests. It has been associated with humans for at least 9,500 years.



A skilled predator, the cat is known to hunt over 1,000 species for food. It can be trained to obey simple commands. Individual cats have also been known to learn on their own to manipulate simple mechanisms, such as doorknobs. Cats use a variety of vocalizations and types of body language for communication, including meowing, purring, hissing, growling, squeaking, chirping, clicking, and grunting. Cats may be the most popular pet in the world, with over 600 million in homes all over the world. They are also bred and shown as registered pedigree pets. This hobby is known as the "cat fancy."

Domestic cats are valued very highly by people as they are wonderful companions and pets. Domestic cats or house cats also excel in their ability to hunt vermin and many other household pests. The domestic cat has been associated with humans as pets and companions for an estimated 9,500 years.

Known to be a hunter of over 1,000 species of different animals for food, domestic cats are actually very skilled predators and hunters. Domestic cats are also well known for their ability to comprehend and learn to operate how to use or manipulate many simple types of mechanisms. One of the most famous of these mechanisms that cats have been known to be able to handle in many different households are door knobs and toilet flushes.

There are many different breeds of domesticated house cats, mostly bred by professional breeders in order to have different types of pet cats that look and act in different manners. Some of the more popular breeds of domestic cats include the elegant Siamese cat, the contemplative Angora, the beautiful Persian, and the common and mischievous Tabby cat.