The Felidae family includes the Lion, the Tiger, the Domestic Cat, and other felines as its members. They are the most strictly carnivorous of the fifteen families in the order Carnivora. The first felids emerged during the Eocene, about 40 million years ago. The most familiar feline is the Domestic Cat or House Cat ( Felis silvestris catus), which first became associated with humans about 10,000 years ago. Its wild relatives, the Wildcats, still live in Europe, Africa and western Asia, although habitat destruction has restricted their range. The Domestic Cat (or simply "cat", although the term can refer to all felids) is a small carnivorous mammal descended from the Desert Wildcat. The cat is a skilled predator and intelligent animal, known to hunt over 1,000 species for food, and capable of being trained (and learning by itself) to obey simple commands and manipulate simple mechanisms (see cat intelligence). It has lived in close association with humans for at least 9,500 years, figuring prominently in the mythology and legends of several cultures. The tiger ( Panthera tigris) is a mammal of the Felidae family, the largest of four " big cats" in the Panthera genus. Native to much of eastern and southern Asia, the tiger is an apex predator and an obligate carnivore. Reaching up to 4 metres (13 feet) in total length and weighing up to 300 kg (660 pounds), tigers are comparable in size to the biggest extinct felids. Aside from their great bulk and power, their most recognizable feature is the pattern of dark vertical stripes that overlays near-white to reddish-orange fur, with lighter underparts. Tigers are among most recognizable and popular of the world's charismatic megafauna. They have featured prominently in ancient mythologies and folklore, and continue to be depicted in modern films and literature. Tigers appear on many flags, coats of arms and as mascots for sporting teams and serve as the national animal of several Asian nations. Selected topics about Cats The Siberian is a recognized breed of cat, with most cat organizations accepting Siberians of any color (including color points) for competition. Known to be an exceptionally high jumper, the Siberian is a strong and powerfully built cat, with well proportioned characteristics that include strong hindquarters and large stomachs. Siberians are generally intelligent, playful, affectionate and loyal, leading many to describe their character as dog like. The breed can be seen in Russian paintings and writings hundreds of years old. 
- ...that the Fauna of Scotland includes almost half of the EU’s breeding seabirds, but only one endemic vertebrate species, and that although a population of Wildcats (pictured) remains many of the larger mammals were hunted to extinction in historic times?
- ...that the average lifespan of a feral cat who survives kittenhood is two years, compared to 16 years for house cats?
- ...that in addition to human spaceflight, there have been many animals in space, including monkeys, apes, mice, dogs, guinea pigs, frogs, rats, cats, tortoises, fish, newts, insects, snails, spiders and nematodes?
- ...that in cat coat genetics, two different X-chromosome alleles must be expressed to create a calico?
- ...that Socks was one of Bill Clinton's two pets while President of the United States?
- ...that Fritz the Cat was the first X-rated animated feature?
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