Why definition: For what purpose, reason, or cause; with what intention, justification, or motive.

The cat (Felis catus), also called domestic cat and house cat, is a small carnivorous mammal. It is an obligate carnivore, requiring a predominantly meat-based diet.

Domestic cats are characterized by retractable claws, powerful bodies, acute senses, long tails, and specialized teeth adapted for hunting prey. How Did Cats Become Pets? We've feared them, revered them, and recorded them. Watch this video to learn about how cats became pets.

The cat (or domestic cat, house cat) (Felis catus) is a member of the Felidae family of the Carnivora order of the mammals. The domesticated cat has been associated with humans for at least 9,500 years, and it is one of humankind's most popular pet animals.

There are at least 45 domestic breeds, which differ widely in features such as coat color, tail length, hair texture, and temperament, according to the Cat Fancier’s Association.

Explore our complete A–Z cat breed list. Get detailed info, traits, and photos for every recognized cat breed—from Abyssinian to York Chocolate.

All Cat Breeds A–Z: Complete List of Cat Types & Profiles (With Pictures)

Discover interesting facts about cat intelligence, how they see the world, and why we keep them around.

Cats belong to the family called ‘Felidea’. Interestingly enough, the cat family split from the other mammals at least 40,000,000 years ago, making them one of the oldest mammalian families. All cats share certain characteristics that are unique to the cat family. Adult cats average about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimetres) tall at the shoulder. Most cats weigh from 6 to 15 pounds (2.7 ...