The cat is a highly specialized and adaptable carnivorous mammal. Its unique combination of strength, agility and predatory instincts has made it one of the most successful predators on earth. It can hunt for itself, defend its territory and keep itself clean and healthy without the need to meet other cats for social purposes – unlike dogs or even humans.
Although often viewed as aloof, domestic cats have the potential to be very affectionate with their people. In some cases they are so close to their owners that they seem almost human. It is important to remember, however, that the meowing your cat does while rubbing against you or other people is not for affection but is a form of communication to warn others of approaching danger.
The cat’s sense of smell is very acute and it uses scent to find prey, even if the animal is out of sight. Moreover, its eyes are adapted for night vision and can see at only one sixth of the light level needed by humans. Cats can also detect sound, and its ears are designed to pick up high-pitched sounds.
Most cats are solitary hunters, but they can form close-knit groups of females and their unneutered male offspring. They are naturally active at dawn and dusk, when their preferred prey – small birds and mammals – tend to be at their most vulnerable. They can be surprisingly fast and agile for such a small animal. Cats are able to jump to great heights.