The cat, a small domesticated carnivorous mammal, is the only domesticated species in the Felidae family. Domesticated around 7500 BC in the Near East, cats are popular pets and farm animals, but also thrive as feral animals. Their ability to hunt vermin is highly valued, and their retractable claws make them adept at killing small prey. Cats possess a strong, flexible body, quick reflexes, sharp teeth, exceptional night vision, and a keen sense of smell. While social animals, they are solitary hunters and crepuscular predators. Cats communicate through various vocalizations and body language. Their hearing surpasses that of humans, enabling them to detect sounds inaudible to us. Additionally, cats rely on pheromones for communication.
1904: Proposed Scientific Name for a Transcaucasian Black Cat
In 1904, Konstantin Satunin proposed the name "Felis daemon" for a black cat from the Transcaucasus, which was later identified as a domestic cat.
1949: Walter Chandoha's Cat Photography Gains Recognition
Walter Chandoha's photographs of Loco, a stray cat, were published in 1949, launching his successful career in cat photography.
1995: Increase in Pet Cat Lifespan
The average lifespan of pet cats rose to 9.4 years in 1995, up from around seven years in the early 1980s.
May 1998: Study on Free-Ranging Queen Cats Begins
A study on free-ranging queen cats began in May 1998 to examine their reproductive habits and kitten survival rates.
October 2000: Study on Free-Ranging Queen Cats Concludes
In October 2000, a study involving 2,300 free-ranging queen cats concluded that they produced one to six kittens per litter, averaging three.
2000: United States Bans Cat Fur Use
In 2000, the United States outlawed the use of cat fur in products.
2003: Domestic Cat Recognized as a Distinct Species
In 2003, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature declared the domestic cat as a separate species, Felis catus.
2007: Global Cat Population Exceeds 500 Million
By 2007, the worldwide cat population surpassed 500 million.
2007: Origin of Domestic Cats
In 2007, phylogenetic research indicated that the domesticated subspecies F. silvestris catus likely originated from the African wildcat (F. lybica).
2007: European Union Bans Cat Fur Use
The European Union, including the United Kingdom, banned the use of cat fur in 2007.
2014: Average Lifespan of Pet Cats Reaches 13 Years
By 2014, the average lifespan of pet cats had increased to approximately 13 years.
2017: Cat Popularity in the United States
In 2017, cats were the second most popular pet in the US, with 95.6 million owned and approximately 42 million households having at least one.
2017: IUCN Acknowledges Domestic Cat as Distinct Species
In 2017, the IUCN Cat Classification Taskforce adopted the ICZN's recommendation to classify the domestic cat as a separate species, Felis catus.
2020: Cat Ownership in the United Kingdom
In 2020, it was estimated that 26% of adults in the UK owned a cat, equating to around 10.9 million pet cats.
2021: Global Cat Population
By 2021, the global cat population was estimated to be around 220 million owned cats and a staggering 480 million stray cats.
2023: Sustained Average Lifespan of Pet Cats
The average lifespan of pet cats remained at about 13 years in 2023, reflecting continued improvements in pet care.