How are cats classified? - briefly
Cats are classified under the family Felidae, which includes all species of big cats such as lions and tigers, as well as smaller wild cats like the ocelot and the caracal. This classification is based on their shared physical characteristics, behavioral traits, and genetic similarities.
How are cats classified? - in detail
Cats, belonging to the family Felidae, are classified in a hierarchical system that reflects their evolutionary relationships and biological characteristics. The classification begins with the kingdom Animalia, which encompasses all animals. Within this kingdom, cats are placed in the phylum Chordata, characterized by a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail at some point during development.
The class Mammalia is the next level of classification for cats. Mammals are distinguished by the presence of mammary glands, which produce milk to nurse their young. Cats belong to the order Carnivora, which includes animals that have carnassial teeth designed for eating meat. The suborder Feliformia within Carnivora is specific to cat-like animals and includes families such as Felidae (cats), Herpestidae (mongooses), and Viverridae (civets).
Within the family Felidae, cats are further classified into several subfamilies based on their evolutionary history and physical characteristics. The subfamily Pantherinae includes the big cats like lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars, which have the ability to roar due to a specialized bone in their throat called the hyoid bone. The subfamily Felinae encompasses the small cats, such as domestic cats, cheetahs, and ocelots, which are unable to roar but can produce a variety of vocalizations including meows, hisses, and purrs.
The genus Felis is where the domestic cat (Felis catus) is classified. This genus includes several species of small wild cats like the jungle cat (Felis chaus) and the African wildcat (Felis lybica), which are believed to be the ancestors of the domestic cat. The classification system provides a comprehensive overview of the evolutionary relationships among cats, highlighting their unique biological features and adaptations that have enabled them to thrive in diverse environments across the globe.