A cat is a domesticated species of small carnivorous mammal, and the only domesticated species in the family Felidae. They are commonly referred to as the domestic cat or house cat to distinguish them from the wild members of the family. Cats are commonly kept as house pets but can also be farm cats or feral cats; the feral cat ranges freely and avoids human contact. Domestic cats are valued by humans for companionship and their ability to kill vermin.

Cats are similar in anatomy to other felid species, with a strong flexible body, quick reflexes, sharp teeth, and retractable claws adapted to killing small prey like mice and rats. Their night vision and sense of smell are well developed. Cat communication includes vocalizations like meowing, purring, trilling, hissing, growling, and grunting as well as cat-specific body language. Although the cat is a social species, it is a solitary hunter.

Some key facts about cats include:

• Diet: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they have to eat meat to stay healthy.
• Size and weight: Domestic cats are small, typically weighing between 5 to 20 pounds and measuring around 28 inches in length.
• Breeds: There are at least 45 domestic breeds of cats, which differ widely in features such as coat color, tail length, hair texture, and temperament.
• Behavior: Cats are natural hunters and predators, relying on stealth to stalk prey and attack with sharp claws and teeth. They are mostly nocturnal animals, with excellent vision and hearing. They are also highly adaptable and can survive and thrive in a wide range of environmental and social circumstances.

Cats have been kept as pets for thousands of years, with evidence of domestication dating back to ancient Egypt. Today, cats are common pets throughout the world, with a worldwide population exceeding 500 million as of 2007.