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The scientific name of cat is Felis catus. This name is used in the scientific community to precisely identify and classify cats within the animal kingdom.
Scientific Name of Cat Genus and Species
Felis catus is the scientific name of cat and scientific name of cat genus and species discussed below:
Scientific Name of Cat Genus: Felis
- Felis is the genus name, which is a group that includes small cats.
- Other members of this genus include wild cats like the jungle cat and the sand cat.
Scientific Name of Cat Species: catus
Catus is the species name, specifically referring to the domestic cat.
Information About Cat
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Felis catus |
| Domestication Origin | Near East around 7500 BC |
| Physical Traits | Strong flexible body, quick reflexes, sharp teeth, retractable claws, developed night vision and sense of smell |
| Communication | Includes meowing, purring, trilling, hissing, growling, and body language |
| Role | Valued for companionship and ability to control vermin |
| Breeding | Can have kittens from spring to late autumn; often 2 to 5 kittens per litter |
| Population | Estimated 220 million owned and 480 million stray cats worldwide as of 2021 |
Scientific Name of Cat Family
The scientific name for the cat family is Felidae. This family includes all types of cats, from the domestic cat you might have as a pet to big wild cats like lions, tigers, and leopards.
Key Points about Felidae:
- Diversity: The Felidae family includes a wide range of species, all of which are carnivorous mammals.
- Characteristics: Members of this family are known for their sharp retractable claws, keen senses, and powerful builds.
- Habitat: Cats in the Felidae family are found in various habitats around the world, from dense jungles and open savannahs to urban environments.
In summary, Felidae is the scientific name for the family that encompasses all cats, both big and small, wild and domestic.
Scientific Name of Cat in India
The scientific name for the domestic cat, whether in India or anywhere else in the world, is Felis catus.
Scientific Classification of the Domestic Cat:
- Kingdom: Animalia (Animals)
- Phylum: Chordata (Animals with a spinal cord)
- Class: Mammalia (Mammals)
- Order: Carnivora (Carnivores)
- Family: Felidae (Cats)
- Genus: Felis
- Species: Felis catus
Domestic cats, or Felis catus, are common pets and can be found in homes across India.
Scientific Name of Wild Cat
The scientific name of the wild cat is Felis silvestris.
What is Felis silvestris?
Common Name: Wild Cat
Scientific Name: Felis silvestris
Family: Felidae
Description:
- Felis silvestris is a small wild feline species found in various parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia.
- It looks similar to a domestic cat but is usually larger and more robust.
- They have a dense fur coat, often with distinct stripes or spots, depending on their specific subspecies and region.
Habitat:
- Wild cats typically live in forests, grasslands, and sometimes mountainous regions.
- They are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, from dense woodlands to open plains.
Diet:
- Wild cats are carnivorous and primarily hunt small mammals, birds, and insects.
- They are skilled hunters, often hunting at night (nocturnal).
Behavior:
- These cats are solitary animals, meaning they prefer to live and hunt alone.
- They are territorial and mark their territory with scent markings to ward off other wild cats.
Conservation Status:
- The conservation status of wild cats varies by region. Some populations are stable, while others are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and hybridization with domestic cats.
Subspecies:
- There are several recognized subspecies of Felis silvestris, including the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris), and the Asiatic wildcat (Felis silvestris ornata).
Scientific Name of Fishing Cat
The scientific name of the Fishing Cat is Prionailurus viverrinus.
Understanding the Name:
- Genus: Prionailurus
- This genus includes small to medium-sized wild cats found in Asia.
- Species: viverrinus
- This part of the name is specific to the Fishing Cat, distinguishing it from other species within the same genus.
Why Use Scientific Names?
- Universal Understanding: Scientific names are used globally, ensuring that scientists and researchers from different countries can understand each other when discussing specific animals.
- Precision: Common names can vary between regions and languages, but scientific names are unique to each species, avoiding confusion.
- Classification: Scientific names help classify and organize living things based on their relationships and characteristics.
FAQs on Scientific Name of Cat
What is the scientific name of cat?
The scientific name of the domestic cat is Felis catus, belonging to the genus Felis and family Felidae.
What is the scientific name of the cat family?
The scientific name of the cat family is Felidae, which includes the domestic cat (Felis catus) and other wild cat species.
What is the scientific name of dog and cat?
The scientific name of the dog is Canis lupus familiaris, while the cat's scientific name is Felis catus, both belonging to the order Carnivora.
What is the scientific name of cat in India?
The scientific name of the domestic cat in India is also Felis catus, as it is the same species found worldwide, belonging to the genus Felis and family Felidae.
What is the biological word for cat?
The biological word for cat is Felis catus, which is the scientific name for the domestic cat, a member of the genus Felis and family Felidae.
