The cat, also called domestic cat or house cat, is a small
feline carnivorous mammal. Its scientific name is Felis
silvestris catus or Felis silvestris domesticus, but the
species is sometimes referred to as Felis domesticus or
Felis catus. Felis catus is the more current species name.
The cat has been living in close association with humans
(although never entirely domesticated as dogs are) since
at least 3500 years ago, when the Ancient Egyptians routinely
used cats to keep mice and other rodents away from their
grain. Currently, the cat is one of the world's most popular
household pets. A group of cats is called a clowder. A
male cat is usually called a tom cat; a female cat is
called a queen. A young cat is called a kitten (which
is also an alternate name for baby rats, rabbits, hedgehogs,
beavers, and squirrels). A cat whose ancestry is officially
registered is called a purebred cat, a pedigreed cat,
or a show cat.
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