Basic House Cat Information

The house cat is a fascinating and perplexing creature. House cats really perform no other function besides keeping humans company, which they've been doing for 10,000 years. One third of American households have at least one cat, despite their reputation for being somewhat contrary and moody, and they are the second most popular pet.

  1. Evolution

    • Egyptians had cats as pets.

      Evidence suggests that cats started hanging around humans taking advantage of food scraps and mice that would inevitably follow human settlement. Cats were thought to have first been domesticated by Egyptians 3,600 years ago, but new evidence suggests that cats and humans have been living together since the agricultural revolution of the Fertile Crescent--10,000 years ago.

    Lifespan

    • Cats can live into their teens.

      Domesticated house cats typically live between 8 and 16 years. Indoor cats are generally healthier and live longer than outdoor cats. The oldest cat ever documented by the Guinness book of World Records was named Creme Puff, and lived to 38 years old. Cats that are well-cared-for and spayed or neutered may live into their teens.

    Kittens

    • Kittens have a lot of energy.

      Kittens need a lot of food due to their high level of activity. Feed a kitten three to four times daily specially formulated kitten food, but make sure that you remove any uneaten food so that they don't overeat, which can cause vomiting. Always make sure your kitten has fresh, clean water. Take your kitten to the vet as soon as possibly after acquiring it to make sure the kitten is healthy and discuss vaccinations and neutering.

    Adult Cats

    • Adult cats are very self-reliant.

      Adult cats are usually very self-reliant, which is why they are a good choice for people who may work long hours. They require food, water, a clean litter box and a cozy place to sleep (usually, they'll pick this spot out for themselves). It's important for cats to get regular exercise, and they will often run around the house or apartment.

    Play

    • Cats really do love balls of string.

      Cats retain a kittenish sense of play their entire lives. They are innately curious creatures and find fascination with light, string and other objects that they can hunt and pounce on. Cats also love exploring and will have tremendous fun with empty bags or boxes. It's important to have a lot of variety for your cat, to keep it from getting bored, but often balls, string and other miscellaneous objects will keep a cat just as entertained as expensive toys.

    Litter Box

    • A clean, well-maintained litter box is crucial in cat ownership. Cats are fastidiously neat by nature and will become very displeased with a dirty litter box. If a cat starts urinating or defecating outside the litter box, this could be a way of communicating discomfort or sickness. Consult a vet if this occurs.