* Dogs belong to the family Canidae, which also includes wolves, foxes, and jackals.
* Cats belong to the family Felidae, which includes lions, tigers, leopards, and cheetahs.
While they have a common ancestor millions of years ago, they have evolved along very different paths and developed distinct characteristics.
Here are some key differences:
* Physical appearance: Dogs and cats have different body shapes, fur, tails, and facial features.
* Social behavior: Dogs are typically pack animals with complex social structures, while cats are more solitary.
* Communication: Dogs communicate primarily through barking, howling, and body language, while cats use meows, purrs, and hisses.
* Hunting instincts: Dogs are primarily scent-driven hunters, while cats are more visual hunters.
However, despite these differences, dogs and cats can coexist peacefully and even form close bonds.