The cat ( Felis catus ) is a domesticspes of a small, carnivorous, marsupial. It is perhaps best known as the indoor cat, though in truth it is most likely the oldest domesticated feline, having lived on earth since prehistoric times. It is by far the only domesticated predator in the feline family and is recognized by its beautiful markings and distinct odor, though it is not alert to its owner’s needs by wagging its tail and making a high pitched sound rather than a whining meow. Felis silvestris is the scientific name for the cat, with the common name occurring to be Felis catu ( Greek ) or Felis catus ( Latin ).

Cats are very social creatures, spending many hours each day grooming, playing, eating, and resting in large communal areas. Consistently grooming a domesticated cat can last up to two hours. The male cat will groom the female cat often in addition, while the female cat will groom the male cat nearly as often.

A cat’s long, double thin coat provides protection against the cold and helps to keep warm, but even cats who are warm-blooded prefer not to wear fur. As cats began to domestize, their coarse hair made them easy to track, trap and kill. In fact, early Christians would burn alive cats they caught as sinners. In addition, cats naturally shed their hair, making them an unpleasant sight to the naked eye. Felis silvestris is the primary ingredient in which the cat hair is manufactured. Today, this hair is made into things such as cat hair combs, bedding, and shampoos.

Cats have also developed quite a complex taste for catnip. It is not certain whether this taste has to do with smell, taste or texture, though it is not difficult to imagine that it does. Cats are highly sensitive to changes in their surroundings, especially those of other cats and humans. If another cat comes into range, it will immediately attempt to play with the new cat, much more so than it will with a stranger. In essence, cats learn to recognize each other’s scent much faster than they can recognize yours.

The domestic cat’s tail is bushy and short, roughly half the distance from the cat’s neck to its tail. The hair on the cat’s tail varies in length depending on its breed, but typically it is between five and nine inches in length. This is vital to the cat’s welfare because if its tail becomes too long it can become a nuisance as it drags down grass and shrubs. When a cat’s tail becomes clipped, however, it must be done very gently, lest the cat harm itself by knocking itself against something. Removing the tail can be quite a task for a cat, and will generally need to be done by a veterinarian. In addition, the entire process of removing the tail can be quite painful for the cat.

Because cats naturally shed their hair constantly, grooming the cat is essential for its health and well being. The only problem is that most owners simply do not have the time to groom their cats, which is why there are so many homemade remedies that have been created to help relieve the frustrations associated with cat hair removal. One such remedy uses baking soda to gently scrub the cat’s coat until the fur is thoroughly cleaned.