Our Wild Pets

Did you know that Americans have more cats as pets than any other animal? According to the Humane Society of the United States, Americans have more than 94 million pet cats. They have about 90 million pet dogs.

Why are cats so popular?

• Cat lovers think cats are graceful and fun to watch. Some cats are comical and playful, and some are serious and independent.

• Although some people think cats are too independent and aloof, cats can be very affectionate. A purring cat can make humans feel happy and calm.

There are also practical reasons that people love cats. They are often the best pet to fit in with our busy lifestyles. People don’t need to rush home to take cats out on walks.

However, all cats need care. They need to be petted and played with. Their litter box needs to be cleaned. They need fresh food and water.

All about cats

• Cat eyes. Most members of the cat family can see in the dark about six times better than people. Cats can open their pupils three times wider than humans can. This lets in more light to help cats see in the dark.

• Cat ears. Cats can move each of their ears separately, and they can move them fast. One ear can be pointed in one direction while the other ear is pointed in another. This enables them to pick up sounds from all around them.

Members of the cat family can also hear sounds humans cannot hear. They can pick up soft sounds from prey animals.

• Cat whiskers. Sensitive whiskers on cats’ faces and legs help them detect obstacles around them. This extra knowledge helps them to pop in and out of small places quickly.

Wild cats

Most experts believe the domestic, or house, cat came from a type of African wild cat that is nowextinct.

People started taming wild cats thousands of years ago. Because cats kept rats and mice away from stored food, people probably wanted the cats to stay nearby.

There are 38 different species, or kinds, of cats in the world. Scientists divide the cat family into two groups, “big cats” and “small cats.”

One of the differences between big and small cats is the sounds they make. Small cats can’t roar, and big cats can’t purr.

A big cat’s “happy” sounds are not steady like a small cat’s purr. The big cat’s happy noise, called a chuffle, is made when the big cat breathes out of its nose and mouth at the same time.

Cats and people

Pets are good for people in many ways, according to experts:

• Pets are wonderful companions. They give unconditional love and can teach people how to love in return.

• Pets can teach people howto care for another creature. By learning how to care for animals, people can learn how to care for other people, too.

• Having a pet can teach people how to be responsible.

• Pets help us to relax. Petting a purring cat can chase away bad feelings. Studies have shown that having a pet can help people’s health.

Adopting a pet

Have you ever wanted a pet? If you have, you may have begged your parents for a cat or dog.

Experts say it is very important that your parents want the pet, too. You will need to help care for the pet, but they will be the ones most responsible for it.

Pet cats show many of the same instincts as their wild ancestors.

Pet owners must make sure their animals have good medical care.