(Image courtesy of Shauna and Damien Richard via Shutterstock) Jump to:
Around 10,000 years ago, cats likely became domesticated when they began to explore the areas around human settlements in search of more opportunities to hunt rodents. There are currently about 600 million domestic cats in the world. Their adorable paws, striped and spotted coats, and soft bellies continue to delight cat lovers around the world.
There are plenty of scientific facts about our furry friends, from why cats purr and knead to the explanations behind their strange facial expressions when they smell unusual odors and their frequent vomiting. Keep reading to learn more about cat breeds, their intelligence, and the unique bond between cats and humans.
5 QUICK FACTS ABOUT CATS
Everything You Need to Know About CatsAre There Different Breeds of Cats?
Cats come in a variety of breeds, although not as many as dogs. The number of recognized cat breeds varies by organization. The Cat Fanciers' Association recognizes 45 breeds, plus a “companion cat” known as the “common cat,” while The International Cat Association recognizes 73 breeds.
Among these breeds are quite famous ones, such as the graceful Siamese and fluffy Persian cats, as well as the leopard Bengal, the short-tailed American Bobtail and the hairless Sphynx.
Unlike dogs, which have been bred for centuries to perform a variety of tasks, resulting in animals of all shapes and sizes, domestic cats have only two primary roles: pest control and pets. This means that most pedigree cats are bred for characteristics such as coat color and length, rather than, say, a waterproof coat for swimming or a strong herding instinct for guarding sheep. Most cat breeds originated less than 100 years ago, although older breeds such as the Egyptian Mau and Persian date back even further.
Sourse: www.livescience.com
