Back
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

cat

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

A cat is a small, furry mammal that is a member of the Felidae family. They are carnivores and typically eat meat, such as mice, birds, and fish. Cats have sharp teeth and claws that they use to catch and kill their prey. They also have a strong sense of smell and hearing, which helps them to hunt.

Cats are typically solitary animals, but they can also live in groups. They are popular pets and are known for their independent nature and playful personality.

Here are some of the characteristics of cats:

  • They are small, furry mammals.
  • They are carnivores and typically eat meat.
  • They have sharp teeth and claws.
  • They have a strong sense of smell and hearing.
  • They are typically solitary animals, but they can also live in groups.
  • They are popular pets.

How can the word be used?

The cat is a feline animal.

cat

Different forms of the word

Noun: cat (plural: cats).

Adjective: feline.

Verb: to cat (informal).

Adverb: catlike.

Etymology

The word "cat" comes from the Old English word "catt", which is also the root of the German word "Katze" and the Dutch word "kat". The Old English word "catt" is thought to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *kat-, which also means "cat".

Question

Describe the features of a cat in detail.

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Cats are classified as carnivores. What are some of the adaptations that cats have that allow them to be successful carnivores?

Answer:

Cats have a number of adaptations that allow them to be successful carnivores, including:

Sharp teeth: Cats have sharp canine teeth that are designed for tearing flesh. They also have carnassial teeth that are used for shearing meat.

Claws: Cats have retractable claws that are used for killing prey and climbing.

Night vision: Cats have excellent night vision, which allows them to hunt in low-light conditions.

Flexible spine: Cats have a flexible spine that allows them to twist and turn quickly, which is helpful for catching prey.

Fast metabolism: Cats have a fast metabolism, which means that they need to eat a lot of food to get the nutrients they need.

These adaptations allow cats to be successful predators and thrive in a variety of habitats.