All domestic cats are representatives of one species of animal. This group of animals in Latin is called Feliscatus, which literally translates as "agile and dexterous cats." They have a long history of developing relationships with humans. It all began, according to scientists, about four thousand years ago in ancient Egypt, it was there that the beginning of relations with people was laid. A huge number of small rodents living nearby with people attracted cats. The ability to catch the animal and destroy it was appreciated by the inhabitants of the Nile Valley, and from that moment they begin to domesticate wild animals.
The highest honor, as we know from the history of Ancient Egypt, is mummification, and cats have been honored with it. Residents even worshiped the goddess personifying this animal. Later, other old civilizations followed suit and began to worship animals, like the inhabitants of Egypt, and make them not only and not so much pets, but friends and part of a family living side by side with a person.
When did they enter our lives?
Genetics believe that both small and large domestic cats, the breeds of which belong to the Feline family, come from the wild Libyan (steppe cat) - a predatory animal of small sizes.
According to some reports, domesticating cats began nine and a half thousand years ago in Mesopotamia, Jordan, as well as Anatolia, that is, at the origin of human civilizations. It began with the era of agriculture, the consequence of which was the appearance of surplus food. They were attacked by rodents, and people with the help of domesticated animals defended themselves from them.
Since the tenth century, cats have conquered Europe, then Asia, then Australia and the rest of the world. Over time, more than two hundred cat breeds were bred. For many centuries, these animals have been valued by humans for their magnificent qualities.
Cat features
The skills and unique abilities of cats in catching rodents caused people to want to domesticate the beast. Like their wild counterparts, large domestic cats are born real hunters who are able to pursue their prey in a variety of conditions and situations, doing this with fangs and claws. Their particular effectiveness in this matter is manifested at night, because their eyes reflect light, they are able to pick up the slightest movements. All cats also have perfect hearing and amazing body flexibility. They are pretty dexterous, and a long tail (the exception is domestic cats, whose breeds are tailless, such as the bobtail) acts as a balance.
Animals communicate with each other in a language unfamiliar to people, as well as smell territory and make it clear to relatives about their own boundaries.
Despite the fact that cats are domesticated, their digestive system is designed to digest raw meat. They are carnivores. A coarse and rough tongue is used to separate the meat from the bone. In addition, cats lick their hair. The diet of such a beast depends entirely on the person, but it does not affect the desire to hunt at all. Even if you feed the cat raw meat regularly, it will still strive to hunt for rodents and some insects.
Domestic cats today
At the moment, these animals are not only a friend of a person, but also an object of trade, especially large breeds. This product due to its exclusivity is expensive, but despite the price, it is in demand in many countries. Representatives of rare breeds are acquired for boasting.
Since the second half of the twentieth century, the process of breeding more and more new domestic cats has not stopped. However, now this is being done for the most part for the sake of benefit, and not at all for the study of this species. Now we figured out who the domestic cats are. The breeds of these creatures are very interesting and unique in their own way.
Popular domestic cats: breeds and their features
You can find both long-haired and hairless animals such as the Sphinx or Rex. Next, we give a list of cat breeds, which, in our opinion, can become great friends for each person.
Maine Coon
Got its name due to its resemblance to a raccoon (translated as Manx raccoon). This breed of a large domestic cat with an interesting color has won the love of many people. Males can weigh from five to eleven kilograms, females - up to six. This breed has a semi-long coat, but it does not need to be combed out; caring for it is not difficult. The representatives of this breed have a friendly character, and their appetite is excellent - the cat eats food several times more than its usual relative, and prefers freshly prepared food, rather than canned food and dry food.
Savannah
What else is the breed of big cat domestic? Savannah. This is a hybrid of a domestic cat and an African serval. Other representatives of this species also participated in breeding. The cat has a spotted color, its growth reaches sixty centimeters at the withers, and weight - fifteen kilograms. She has an elongated body and long legs, as well as a thick coat. This is a very smart cat. She gets along easily with other pets.
Persian
This is the most domestic breed of cats, because it is the oldest. These representatives can not exist outside the house, they have an affectionate nature. Very attached to the owner. Calm and rarely voice, often lazy on the couch. Often accompany family members from room to room, get along well with children. They are very curious and also like the hunt for insects. The colors of the Persian are different, there are more than a hundred shades. A distinctive feature of the breed is a small flat nose.
Norwegian forest breed
A domestic cat of this species is a descendant of wild from the same forests. Distinctive features of the breed are endurance, resistance to cold temperatures, excellent qualities of a hunter. Large domestic cats of the Norwegian Forest breed have very thick and long fur. The weight of the male reaches more than seven kilograms, the female - a little less (about five). The undercoat is most often white, the color can be absolutely diverse. The cat's body is strong and flexible. She loves to climb trees and walk freely.
Ragdoll
Another breed of big domestic cats is ragdoll. This is a very interesting view. Literally, the name translates as "rag doll." Outwardly, the cat is similar to the Burmese, but has a wider chest. Cats weigh up to nine kilograms, cats - about six. They are phlegmatic, and very attached to the owners. Their intelligence is highly developed - they can be taught to walk not only in the tray, but also in the toilet. Animals understand human speech and execute commands. Here is such an amazing breed. A domestic cat of this species is suitable for every person, as it easily gets along with people.
Burmese
Burmese (sacred burma) - a semi-long-haired cat with an interesting color. With point coat color, they are characterized by white “gloves”. These are beautiful and calm animals with a gentle character. Guests love and greet them without fear. They like to sit on their knees and arms. Large domestic cats of the sacred burma breed are active, they like to play with people, get along well with little children. When the owners are busy, such pets do not distract them, as soon as the owner has a free minute, they will happily have fun with him. Not very talkative, but purr with pleasure.
Conclusion
Now you know who domestic cats are, the breeds of popular representatives of this species we have listed for you. We hope you find the information useful.