| − | The domestic cat, or ''pussy'' cat (as opposed to ''big'' cats such as [[lion]]s and [[tiger]]s), is a small furry [[mammal]] of the species ''Felis silvestris catus'' that has for many thousands of years been a constant companion of [[human]]s. Originally domesticated in [[Ancient Egypt]], cats have been much valued for their ability to catch [[mice]] and other vermin, and for their loving and loyal relationship with their human masters. The distinctive cry of the cat is the [[miaow]], though it is also noted for its [[purr]]. Nocturnal by nature, cats living outside of human society, known as ferral cats, invariably revert to a night-time existence. | + | The '''domestic cat''', or ''pussy'' cat (as opposed to ''big'' cats such as [[lion]]s and [[tiger]]s), is a small furry [[mammal]] of the species ''Felis silvestris catus'' that has for many thousands of years been a constant companion of [[human]]s. Originally domesticated in [[Egypt]] in ancient times, cats have been much valued for their ability to catch [[mice]] and other vermin, and for their loving and loyal relationship with their human masters. The distinctive cry of the cat is the [[meow]], though it is also noted for its [[purr]]. Nocturnal by nature, cats living outside of human society, known as [[ferral cats]], invariably revert to a night-time existence. |