Domestic House Cats Information

Aloof and mysterious or playful and loving, cats can stir our emotions like no other animal. Modern domestic house cats are descended from the African wildcat. They were first domesticated in Egypt nearly 4,000 years ago and have since become one of the most common household pets in the United States.

  1. Varieties

    • Domestic cat breeds can differ in fur length and color, head shape and body shape. Average size cats typically weigh between 8 and 10 pounds with larger breeds, such as the Maine Coon, reaching more than 20 pounds. Cat Fanciers' Association, which is the largest breed registry for cats, recognizes 40 different breeds of domestic house cats.

    Behavior

    • Cats are natural hunters, whether they are catching rodents in the wild to stay alive or stalking a stray sock in your bedroom. They are nocturnal by nature, although they can adjust to the rhythms of home life with humans if given proper outlets for their hunting instincts during the daytime. Although they possess a reputation for being standoffish, aloof and independent, when properly introduced, cats generally get along well and even thrive with other pets, including dogs, other cats ferrets and birds. They can make excellent companions for children, adults and the elderly.

    Health

    • Indoor cats have an average life span of about 14 years. Outdoor cats are susceptible to more health problems and other dangers, such as predators and cars, so their life span is on average about a third of cats that live strictly indoors, according to the behavior clinic at Tufts' Cumming School of Veterinary Medicine. With proper nutrition and preventative health care, domestic cats can live with relatively few health problems. Older cats benefit from frequent health screening to detect and treat common geriatric problems, such as diabetes, kidney failure and hyperthyroidism.

    Considerations

    • Unlike dogs, cats do not respond well to traditional training methods. While they are smart animals and can be trained to stay off furniture and counter tops and to use scratching posts, it takes time and patience to see results. On the other hand, cats are usually quite fastidious about being clean and using the litter box, making them low-maintenance pets compared with dogs.

    Necessities

    • For cats that are strictly indoors, provide at least one litter box per cat, according to the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Scoop the boxes daily, and thoroughly clean them every few months. Cats need a supply of fresh water and dry cat food. It can be supplements with canned cat food, if desired. Scratching posts are important training tools, and OSU also recommends perches for cats to feel safe and secure. A few toys scattered throughout your home will help keep your cat active and interested in his environment. Nail trimmers and a brush or comb will round out your basic cat supply needs.

    Competitions

    • Cat shows are a great place to learn about the different cat breeds and to show your own cat. The CFA sponsors shows throughout the country that feature purebred and house cat categories. Another growing trend at cat shows is the inclusion of agility competitions, which show off the intelligence and athletic ability of your cat.