What is the name of the human race of cats? - briefly
The Felidae family includes the domestic cat (Felis catus), which is often referred to as the human race of cats due to its long history of domestication and close companionship with humans.
What is the name of the human race of cats? - in detail
The term often used to describe the human race of cats is "Felis catus," which refers to the domestic cat species. However, it's important to note that this classification encompasses a wide variety of breeds and mixed-breed cats that have been selectively bred by humans over thousands of years. The domestic cat has undergone significant evolutionary changes since its ancestors were first tamed from the African wildcat (Felis lybica) around 10,000 years ago.
The process of domestication has led to the development of numerous distinct breeds, each with its own unique physical characteristics and temperaments. For example, the Siamese cat is known for its blue eyes and dark points on the ears, face, paws, and tail, while the Maine Coon is recognized for its large size and distinctive ruff around the neck. Despite these differences, all domestic cats belong to the same species, Felis catus.
In addition to the physical diversity, domestic cats have also evolved behaviorally to adapt to living alongside humans. They exhibit traits such as purring, kneading, and head-butting, which are believed to be signals of affection and contentment. These behaviors have likely been selected for over time as cats that were more social and tolerant of human contact were favored and bred.
Overall, the term "Felis catus" encapsulates the collective name for the domestic cat species, which includes a vast array of breeds and mixed-breed individuals that have been shaped by human influence over millennia.