The domestic
cat (Latin: Felis catus) or the feral
cat (Latin: Felis silvestris catus) is a
small, typically furry, carnivorous mammal. They are often
called house cats when kept as indoor pets or simply cats when
there is no need to distinguish them from other felids and felines.
Cats are often valued by humans for companionship and for their
ability to hunt vermin. There are
more than 70 cat breeds; different associations proclaim different numbers
according to their standards.