This document provides an introduction to cats, including their: - Classification in the animal kingdom - Domestication history beginning around 4,000 years ago - Characteristics such as erect ears, vertical pupils, and specialized organs for tasting air - Information on the largest wild cat species and their sizes - Dietary needs as true carnivores requiring protein and preferences - Types of cat food including canned, semi-moist, and dry varieties.

1. Intro to Cats
By Mr. “I Hate Cats” Chapman

3. Classification
 Kingdom: Animalia
 Phylum: Chordata
 Class: Mammalia
 Order: Carnivora
 Family: Felidae

4. History
 Cats and dogs ancestor is Miacis.
 The first normal looking cat appeared
about 35 MYA and is called Proailurus.

5. History
 Cats were domesticated about 4,000 YA
 Cats are mostly used on farms, ranches,
and on ships to control rodents.
 Domesticated cats are believed to have
evolved from African wild cats.

6. Characteristics
 There are about 36 species of cats.
 Cats have erect ears, large eyes with
vertical-slit pupils.
 28 teeth
 5 toes
 All cats can retract their claws except?
 cheetahs

7. Characteristics
 Cats are designed for speed and flexibility.
 Cats have their largest muscles on their
rear legs, which gives them their power for
jumping and running.

8. Characteristics
 Like snakes cats have jacobson’s organ to
taste the air.
 Cats have spoon-shaped tongue to allow
the cat to lap up liquids.

9. Largest Wild Cats
 Table of overall head and body length
(meters) of the cat family - in order of
size. lower - upper
 1. Tiger 2.20 - 3.30
 2. Lion 2.00 - 2.80
 3. Cougar 1.00 - 2.00
 4. Leopard 0.90 - 1.90
 5. Jaguar 1.00 - 1.80
 6. Cheetah 1.00 – 1.50

10. True Carnivores
 Require almost twice as much protein as
dogs!
 30-40% of a cat’s diet should be protein
(meat, meat by-products, fish, eggs and
milk).
 10% of a cat’s diet should be fat.

11. What Not to Feed Cats
 Milk  to much can give your cat gas and
diarrhea.
 Raw eggs  cooked egg provides
valuable protein, fat and vitamins
 Chicken bones  they can splinter and
become lodged in the cat’s throat
 No Dog Food!!!!!!!!

12. Types of Cat Food
 Types of Cat food :
 1. Canned food : contains more protein,
fat and 75% water!

13. Types of Cat Food
 2. Semi-moist food : contain vegetable
protein, vitamins and minerals and 30%
water.
 Less expensive

14. Types of Cat Food
 3. Dry food : contains less protein and fat
and 10% water
 Always keep water available
 Prevents the buildup of tartar
 Occasionally feeding canned food with dry
food will ensure a balanced diet