Overview

The domestic cat is one of the world's most successful small predators, equally at home on a windowsill or stalking through long grass. Descended from wild cats of the Middle East, cats spread with human trade routes and now outnumber dogs as the most popular pet on the planet.

Independent, curious, and endlessly photogenic, cats are a staple discovery for urban collectors. That stretch in a sunbeam, the intense stare from a fence post, the sudden dash after a leaf — cats turn ordinary streets into hunting grounds.

Habitat

Domestic cats occupy gardens, streets, rooftops, and alleyways in virtually every human settlement worldwide. Pet cats range from indoor flats to farmyards; feral populations thrive wherever there is shelter and prey — from city centres to coastal villages.

Countries found

Interesting facts

01
Cats spend up to 70% of their lives sleeping — about 13–16 hours a day.
02
A cat's purr vibrates at frequencies that may promote healing in bones and tissue.
03
Cats have a third eyelid — the nictitating membrane — for extra eye protection.
04
They can rotate their ears 180 degrees to pinpoint the source of a sound.
05
Ancient Egyptians revered cats; killing one was punishable by death.
06
A group of cats is called a clowder — though most prefer to hunt alone.

Conservation status

LC — Least Concern

Domestic cats are abundant worldwide as pets and feral populations. In some regions, outdoor and feral cats pose a significant threat to native wildlife through predation — responsible pet ownership and neutering programmes help reduce ecological impact.