Ancestry - Best Fed Cats

Best Fed Cats

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Ancestry

The carnivore classification and ancestry of the house cat are looked at. The course of domestication is considered as well as their genetic, physiological, anatomical, behavioural and dietary adaptations as obligate carnivores.

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The Cat’s Unique Physiological Adaptations to Carnivory

In addition to genetic, behavioural and anatomic adaptations, house cats also show around 14 physiological adaptations as obligate carnivores. When compared with the physiology of their closest wild progenitors, it becomes clear that domestic cats have retained all of their carnivore mechanisms.

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Where's the Proof that House Cats are Strict Carnivores?

House cats are classified as obligate or hyper carnivores, a group of strict meat eaters. Millennia of domestication did not erase a single one of their carnivore characteristics. Clear proof of their status as hyper carnivores remain locked up in their genes, physiology, anatomy and behaviour.

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Meet the Wild Ancestors of the House Cat

House cats are a subspecies of Felis silvestris – comprising around 5 subspecies of wildcat. Their closest progenitors are likely the African/Near Eastern wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), the southern African wildcat (Felis silvestris cafra) and the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris).

Are House Cats Still Carnivores?

House cats belong to the order Carnivora: Felidae – a group of strict meat eaters. After roughly 10 000 years of domestication, the common house cat still shares close genetic links to its wild Middle Eastern ancestors. Plus they have retained their carnivore traits and hunting equipment!