Glossary
Wildcat
(Felis silvestris)
A small felid that is the ancestor of the domestic cat.
It has been suggested that wildcats domesticated themselves about 9000 years ago, in response to the availability of rodents in grain stores
A small felid that is the ancestor of the domestic cat.
It has been suggested that wildcats domesticated themselves about 9000 years ago, in response to the availability of rodents in grain stores
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Felid
The taxonomic family of the cats.
Felids are divided into two subfamilies:
1. Pantherinae (tigers, lions, jaguars, and leopards). Also known as the big cats.
2. Felinae (domestic cats, cougars, caracals, servals, lynxes, ocelots and [sometimes] cheetahs).
Felids are divided into two subfamilies:
1. Pantherinae (tigers, lions, jaguars, and leopards). Also known as the big cats.
2. Felinae (domestic cats, cougars, caracals, servals, lynxes, ocelots and [sometimes] cheetahs).
Protractile Claw
Claw that can be protracted (extended) from its protective sheath.
Cats’ claws are protractile, but often (incorrectly) described as retractile. At rest, the claw is retracted; muscular action (contraction) protracts the claw out of the sheath, rather than retracts it in.
Cats’ claws are protractile, but often (incorrectly) described as retractile. At rest, the claw is retracted; muscular action (contraction) protracts the claw out of the sheath, rather than retracts it in.
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Cat
The cat is classified as a subspecies of the Wildcat (Felis silvestris), in the genus Felis, and is referred to by its biological name Felis silvestris catus.
It is also called by its taxonomic name Felis catus.
The cat has an anatomy similar to other felids, including sharp, protractile claws.
Also known as domestic cat or household cat.
Scottish Fold