Here's why:
* Family: Domestic cats (Felis catus) belong to the same family (Felidae) as lions (Panthera leo) and tigers (Panthera tigris).
* Evolutionary History: Domestic cats are believed to have descended from the African wildcat. While they are smaller and less powerful than their larger relatives, they share common ancestors.
While other animals like cheetahs or leopards are also related to lions and tigers, they are generally not kept as house pets due to their size, wild instincts, and legal restrictions.