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Cats, also called domestic cats (Felis catus), are small, carnivorous mammals, of the family Felidae.

Domestic cats are often called 'house cats' when kept as indoor pets. Cats have been domesticated (tamed) for nearly 10,000 years.

They are one of the most popular pets in the world. They are kept by humans for hunting rodents and as friends.

There are also farm cats, which are kept on farms to keep rodents away; and feral cats, which are domestic cats that live away from humans.

A cat is sometimes called a kitty. A young cat is called a kitten. A female cat that has not had its reproductive organs removed is called a queen. A male cat that has not had its reproductive organs removed is called a tom.