Identify the characteristics of cats.

Identification should include

common feline terminology, including male and female internal and external anatomy
domesticated cat ancestry
physical characteristics (e.g., skeletal features, eyes, ears, coat, and whiskers) and their effects on a cat’s functions
classification of cats according to hair length and color
markings and color patterns
body language
behavioral characteristics, including normal and warning behaviors.

Process/Skill Questions:

What is a cat’s scientific classification (i.e., kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species)?
What physical characteristics contribute to a cat's speed and flexibility? How?
How are a cat's eyes physically different from the eyes of other animals? What advantages do these special characteristics give the cat?
What are the characteristics of a cat that make them desirable as companion animals?
How are cats’ ears physically different from the ears of other animals? What advantages are associated with this difference?
Why is it important to protect and care for a cat's coat? What functions does the coat serve?
How does a cat’s increased perception affect how it reacts to stimuli?

Teacher Resource: