Definition
noun, plural: cats
(1) A small domesticated Felis species, e.g. F. domestica or F. catus
(2) Any of the several members of the family Felidae; felid (e.g. lion, tiger, leopard, etc.)
Supplement
The term cat may pertain to the domestic cat, Felis domesticus or Felis catus. It belongs to the genus Felis. Felis is comprised of small and medium-sized cat species. Apart from the domestic cats, extant members of this genus include sand cat, black-footed cat, wildcat, jungle cat, and Chinese mountain cat. Members of this genus are characterized by having high and wide skulls. They have short jaws and narrow ears. The domestic cat is a small, carnivorous mammal and has over 30 different breeds. They are kept as indoor pets for companionship and for their ability to hunt house pests or vermin.
The term cat may also pertain to any of the various members of the family Felidae. In this regard, the cat is synonymous to felid. Felidae is a biological family of cats. It has two subfamilies: Pantherinae (big cats, e.g. lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards) and Felinae (small to medium sized cats). Domestic cats belong to the subfamily Felinae.
Synonym(s):
- felid
See also:
