cat

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cat: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Domestic cats, or Felis catus, have lived with humans for approximately 12,000 years, originating from the Middle Eastern wildcat, Felis sylvestris. They became valuable to agricultural societies for their rodent control abilities. Cats are known for their playful, sociable nature, and unique behaviors like purring and grooming. They have been revered in various cultures, notably in Ancient Egypt, where they were cherished and protected by law.

Facts

Also Known As	Felis catus • domestic cat • house cat

Did You Know?

Cats have 32 muscles in each ear, allowing them to swivel their ears 180 degrees.
The world's longest cat, a Maine Coon named Stewie, measured 48.5 inches.
A house cat’s genome is 95.6% tiger, sharing behaviors like scent marking and prey stalking.
Cats have an extra organ called the Jacobson's organ that allows them to taste scents in the air, which is why they sometimes stare with their mouths open.
Cats spend 70% of their lives sleeping, totaling 13-16 hours daily.