Domestic Cat
Felis catus · Mammal, Vertebrate, Warm-blooded, Domestic
Animal Family
Family Felidae, order Carnivora, class Mammalia
Animal Category
Domestic Pet
Breed / Variety
Domestic Shorthair (Orange and White Bicolor)
Conservation Status
Not applicable (domesticated species, abundant globally)
About This Creature
A relaxed medium-to-large domestic cat lying on its back on a yellow textured bedspread. The cat features white fur with ginger-orange patches on its head, back, and tail. Its eyes are closed in contentment, and its pink paw pads and belly are exposed.
Physical Characteristics
Quadrupedal mammal with soft short fur, retractable claws, pink nose and paw pads, white underparts and torso, and ginger markings on the head, upper back, and banded tail.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile, domesticated, showing extreme relaxation by exposing the vulnerable belly, sleeping or resting indoors, territorial yet affectionate toward humans.
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
Globally distributed; originally descended from the African wildcat (Felis lybica) in the Near East
Habitat
Urban and suburban residential homes, terrestrial
Diet & Nutrition
Obligate carnivore requiring commercial or raw cat food high in animal protein, taurine, and essential amino acids
Lifespan & Health
Typically 12 to 15 years in the wild/free-roaming, up to 20 years with proper indoor veterinary care
Special Characteristics
Excellent night vision, sensitive hearing, flexible spine, righting reflex when falling
Ecological Information
Predator of small rodents and insects in domestic environments; can impact local bird populations if allowed outdoors