CATS2
Cat is a favorite pet of people around the world. Cats are intelligent and have an independent nature. These small animals can also be playful and entertaining. Many cats make affectionate, loyal pets, providing companionship for people of all ages. About 55 million cats are kept as pets in the United States. About 4 million pet cats live in Canada. The word cat also refers to a family of meat-eating animals that includes tigers, lions, leopards, and panthers. This family also includes domestic cats—that is, those that people keep as pets. Domestic cats and their wild relatives share many characteristics. All these animals have long, powerful bodies and somewhat rounded heads.