The correct spelling of the scientific name for house cats is "Felis catus," not "Felis domesticus." However, "Felis domesticus" is sometimes used colloquially. The pronunciation is [ˈfiːlɪs ˈkeɪtəs], with stress on the first syllable of each word. "Felis" is pronounced "fee-lis," with the first vowel pronounced like the "ee" in "see." "Catus" is pronounced "kay-tus," with the first vowel pronounced like the "ay" in "say."
Felis domesticus, commonly known as the domestic cat, is a small, carnivorous mammal that has been domesticated for centuries and is kept as a companion animal worldwide. It belongs to the family Felidae and the genus Felis.
The domestic cat is characterized by its compact and agile body, with a flexible spine that allows for exceptional jumping and climbing abilities. Its typical coloration can vary greatly, ranging from solid colored coats to multi-colored patterns, and may include stripes, spots, or patches. The cat has a sharp, retractable claws that aid in hunting and social interactions.
This species exhibits various behaviors, such as grooming itself by licking its fur, marking territory with its scent glands, and exhibiting territorial aggression. Domestic cats are also known for their vocalizations, including purring, meowing, and hissing, which serve as forms of communication.
Being carnivores, domestic cats have a specialized dentition specifically adapted for tearing and eating meat. Their diet primarily consists of small animals like rodents, birds, and insects. However, as companion animals, they are often provided with commercial cat food that meets their dietary requirements.
Domestic cats have been historically valued by humans for their ability to control vermin populations that threatened crops and human settlements. They have also become popular pets due to their independent yet affectionate nature, providing companionship to their human owners.
Overall, Felis domesticus is an integral part of human society as a domesticated and cherished member of many households.
The word "Felis Domesticus" is not an etymological term in itself. Instead, it can be broken down into two separate parts:
1. Felis: The term "felis" is derived from the Latin word "felis", which means "cat". In the realm of taxonomy, Felis is a genus that encompasses various species of wild cats. The origins of the Latin word "felis" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*péleus", meaning "gray".
2. Domesticus: The term "domesticus" is a Latin adjective that means "domestic" or "pertaining to the home". It is derived from the noun "domus", meaning "house" or "home".