The cat is a domestic species of small carnivorous mammal. A cat when kept inside homes or at homes as a pet is referred to as housecat. It is commonly referred to as the domestic cat or house cat to distinguish it from the wild members of the family. A group of cats is called a “clowder. As mostly nocturnal animals, cats have excellent vision and hearing.

Cats make about 100 different sounds. There are more than 500 million domestic cats in the world, with approximately 40 recognized breeds. Cats are North America’s most popular pets. Europeans introduced cats into the Americas to control pests.

There are 73 million cats compared to 63 million dogs. Over 30% of households in North America own a cat.

A cat rubs against people not only to be affectionate but also to mark out its territory with scent glands around its face. The tail area and paws also carry the cat’s scent.

A cat can jump up to five times its own height in a single bound. On average, cats spend 2/3 of every day sleeping. Cats don't actually meow at each other, just at humans. Cats typically will spit, purr, and hiss at other cats.

Foods that should not be given to cats include onions, garlic, green tomatoes, raw potatoes, chocolate, grapes, and raisins. Though milk is not toxic, it can cause an upset stomach and gas.

Tylenol and aspirin are extremely toxic to cats, as are many common houseplants. Feeding cats dog food or canned tuna that’s for human consumption can cause malnutrition.

A cat typically can live up to 20 years, which is equivalent to about 96 human years. Cats are extremely sensitive to vibrations. Cats are said to detect earthquake tremors 10 or 15 minutes before humans can.

Cats are predatory and can prey on rats, birds and other animals that are generally smaller. Howling can be a sign of senility in older cats.