Cats - everything you need to know about breeds, care, behavior

Domesticating Cats: A Historical Perspective

Views: 5 655. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02.

Archaeological findings provide invaluable insights into the historical relationship between humans and cats, offering a glimpse into the process of cat domestication. The earliest evidence of human-feline interactions dates back to around 9500 years ago in Cyprus, where both wildcat remains and human artifacts were discovered together.

The Global Cat Population: Trends and Demographics

Views: 5 348. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02.

Accurate estimation of the worldwide feline population relies on a combination of direct and indirect data sources. Household questionnaires collect owner‑reported numbers of pet cats, while veterinary clinic registries provide records of neutered, vaccinated, and treated animals.

The Anatomy of a Predator: Physical Characteristics of Big Cats

Views: 2 270. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02.

The jaw muscles of big cats, such as lions and tigers, are remarkably powerful and play a critical role in their predatory behavior. These muscles, primarily the masseter and temporalis, enable the cat to exert immense force when clamping down on prey.

Instruction: how to teach a cat not to be afraid of water.

Views: 1 971. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02.

Cats exhibit a pronounced aversion to water because their ancestors evolved in arid and semi‑arid environments where exposure to large bodies of liquid offered little survival advantage. Early felids relied on scent marking and stealth rather than swimming, so natural selection favored individuals that remained dry to preserve olfactory cues and maintain insulation.

Exploring the Diversity of Cat Breeds Worldwide

Views: 1 921. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02.

The origins of cat domestication can be traced back to ancient civilizations, providing a fascinating insight into the evolution of various feline breeds worldwide. Archaeological evidence suggests that cats were first domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East.

Understanding the Behavioral Differences Between Cats and Dogs

Views: 1 731. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02.

The behavioral differences between cats and dogs are profoundly shaped by their evolutionary histories, with cats exhibiting a more solitary nature while dogs display a pack mentality. This dichotomy is rooted in their distinct origins: whereas cats have descended from small, independent predators like the African wildcat, dogs have evolved from wolves, which are social creatures that thrive in groups.

Instruction: why a cat «talks» to itself.

Views: 138. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02.

Cats communicate through a limited but highly functional vocal repertoire. Each sound reflects a specific physiological or psychological state, and understanding these signals clarifies why felines appear to converse with themselves. Meow - directed primarily at humans;

Instruction: why a cat «talks» to you.

Views: 198. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02.

Cats employ a diverse vocal repertoire when interacting with humans. Each sound carries specific information about the cat’s internal state, needs, or intentions, allowing owners to infer the cause of the communication. Mewing and meowing - high‑pitched, short bursts used primarily to solicit attention, request food, or signal discomfort.

Instruction: why a cat «talks» to you when you come home.

Views: 428. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02.

Cats employ a limited but purposeful vocal repertoire when their owner returns. Understanding these sounds clarifies the apparent “conversation” and reveals how felines communicate need, recognition, and emotional state. The most common vocalizations include:

Instruction: why a cat thumps its tail on the floor.

Views: 205. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02.

As a feline behavior specialist, I observe that the tail functions primarily as a visual and tactile signal. When a cat strikes the floor with its tail, the motion creates a rapid, audible vibration that serves several communicative purposes.

Instruction: why a cat touches your face with its paw.

Views: 596. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02.

Cats use their paws to convey precise messages. When a cat places a paw on a human’s face, it signals a combination of attention, affiliation, and mild dominance within its social hierarchy. The gesture aligns with other affiliative behaviors such as head‑butting and cheek rubbing, indicating that the cat regards the person as a trusted companion.

Instruction: why a cat tries to «bury» your food.

Views: 233. Date latest changes: 2025-10-02.

Cats conceal food for several instinctual reasons rooted in their evolutionary history. The behavior originates from predatory ancestors that stored prey to protect it from scavengers and to keep it fresh for later consumption. Domestic cats retain this drive even when presented with human‑prepared meals.

Instruction: why cats love to knock things off tables and shelves so much.

Date of published: 2025-10-01.

Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59.

Cats exhibit a striking tendency to dislodge objects from tables and shelves, a behavior that has puzzled owners and researchers alike. The phenomenon stems from a combination of sensory, predatory, and environmental factors that trigger innate responses.

Instruction: why a cat tries to «wash» your face.

Date of published: 2025-10-01.

Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59.

Cats possess a strong innate grooming drive that extends beyond self‑maintenance. When a cat repeatedly contacts a human’s face with its tongue or paws, it is reproducing the same behavior it uses to keep its own fur clean and free of debris.

Instruction: why a cat «talks» to you when you come home.

Date of published: 2025-10-01.

Date latest changes: 2025-10-02 00:59.

Cats employ a limited but purposeful vocal repertoire when their owner returns. Understanding these sounds clarifies the apparent “conversation” and reveals how felines communicate need, recognition, and emotional state. The most common vocalizations include: