Biologically speaking, a cat is a small carnivorous mammal of the Felidae family. It is the only domesticated species of this family and distinguishes itself from its wild relatives.
Evolution of Felis catus
Using DNA analyses, a team of researchers has uncovered eight distinct lineages in the Felidae family. During the past 11 million years, the family has expanded rapidly. It is composed of 37 recognized species.
The ancestors of Felis catus are believed to have originated in Africa. The African wildcat is a major ancestor, while the domestic cat is a recently evolved species. These two species have distinct karyotypes, but the karyotype of the domestic cat is significantly conserved throughout its evolutionary history.
During the cat’s evolution, a range of size and body shapes was shaped. Eventually, they evolved into a family of predatory hunting mammals. Modern-day cats are similar in shape to their ancestors. They are known for their keen senses of hearing and sight. They also have an inborn tendency toward taming. They also love to play and are well equipped to hunt vermin around human settlements.
These mammals are classified into two subfamilies, Pantherinae and Felinae. Pantherinae contains lions, tigers, and other large cats. Felinae is made up of smaller cats.
Physiology of the cat
Among the animal kingdom, the physiology of the cat has some unique features. These are the ability to hear and see well, the ability to control a number of body parts under voluntary control, and the mobility of the spine.
Cats are able to see six times better than humans at night. The eye is also very sensitive to light and has a large field of vision. The eye is composed of a cornea, the iris, and the retina. Cats are also able to hear ultrasonic sounds. The ear is composed of three small bones and the cochlea.
The physiology of the cat includes the circulatory system, the endocrine system, and the digestive system. All of these systems are controlled by the nervous system. The endocrine system produces several hormones which act on specific glands.
The digestive system begins in the mouth, where food is broken down and nutrients are collected. The blood transports these nutrients to body cells. The intestinal wall then absorbs the nutrients. These nutrients are transported to the kidneys, where waste products are eliminated. The kidneys are also responsible for filtering unwanted materials from the blood.
Behaviors of cats
Despite their small size and relative simplicity, cats exhibit a variety of behaviors that are important to their survival and health. These behaviors may be important to humans as well.
One of the more rudimentary of cat’s behaviors is to paw at and rub furniture. Another is to groom and rub against people. This behavior is considered to be a greeting display.
Aside from these basic behaviors, cats display many more social interactions. They can be difficult to study due to their flexible nature. However, understanding their range can help researchers and cat owners improve their understanding of predation and social interactions.
The most important thing to know about cats is that they are highly adaptive. They can be very flexible when it comes to their diet and resource supply. They may hunt even when they are well fed. They may also be very adaptable when it comes to other animals. This makes them very good at reproductive interactions.
Their ability to adapt makes it difficult to know which behaviors are the most important. Some of the behaviors are the same in all felids.
Characteristics of geriatric cats
Several of the cat characteristics of geriatric cats include a tendency to have less physical activity and sleep more. They may also be more sensitive to changes in the household. They may become more reliant on their owners for food, water and care.
Older cats also have a higher risk of developing certain illnesses and diseases. For instance, diabetes and kidney or liver disease may be common in these cats. In addition, they may be more prone to litter box problems.
The cat characteristics of geriatric cats may also include a decrease in energy and an increased risk of pain. Increasing their caloric intake and maintaining a healthy weight can help them live longer. A regular schedule of veterinary visits can also help owners make decisions about their pet’s health.
If you notice any of these cat characteristics of geriatric cats, you should contact your veterinarian right away. A veterinary physician will be able to perform a complete geriatric workup, which includes a physical examination and evaluation of your pet’s urine, stool samples, and blood.
