Where do cats come from?

In general, the world’s domestic cats (pedigreed and random-bred) come from four areas: Asia, western Europe, East Africa, and the Mediterranean basin. Breed “standards” are written guidelines describing the attributes that make an ideal example of the breed.

Is a felid a domestic cat?

In fact, the felid generally thought to be the closest ancestor of the domestic cat is a small wildcat native to the Middle East and Africa (Felis silvestris lybica) that is genetically virtually identical to domestics and readily interbreeds with them, so much so that, in some areas, the wildcat is in danger of ceasing to exist as a pure species.

What are the characteristics of a domestic cat?

Domestic cats are characterized by retractable claws, powerful bodies, acute senses, long tails, and specialized teeth adapted for hunting prey. The following article deals with general characteristics of the domestic cat. For information on larger cats, see their individual entries (such as lion, tiger, and leopard).