Classification
Domain: Eukarya
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Genus: Felis
Species:
Felis catus
◊◊◊The cat belongs in the Domain
Eukarya because
their cells have a nucleus and membrane- bound organelles.◊◊◊
◊◊◊As a member of the kingdom
Animalia, locomotion is a distinct
characteristic.◊◊◊
◊◊◊They are part of the phylum
Chordata for many reasons. Firstly,
they have bilateral symmetry which allows for a very distinct
head region and segmentation. Also, cats have three germ layers
(triploblastic) and a complete digestive tract.◊◊◊
◊◊◊Members of the class
Mammalia feed their young with milk from mammary
glands. They also have bodies covered with
hair, and maintain a constant body temperature.◊◊◊
◊◊◊As the name states, members of the order
Carnivora are
carnivores-meaning that they primarily eat meat. Sometimes cats
are seen chewing on grass or catnip, however, it is not food for
them.◊◊◊
◊◊◊All cats belong to the family
Felidae, which translates to "one
of those that are happy."◊◊◊
◊◊◊The genus Felis consists of all smaller cats. Also, this word is
derived from the Latin word felix, which means happy and cats
definitely show when they're happy- they purr. See
adaptations.◊◊◊
◊◊◊Felis catus just means "happy cat."
Which makes perfect sense, considering the domestic cat is the
most friendly and happy species within the family Felidae.◊◊◊
To see how domestic cats are related to other cats, click here.