The cat (Felis catus), commonly referred to as the domestic cat or house cat. It is commonly kept as a house pet and farm cat. avoiding human contact. It is valued by humans for companionship and its ability to kill vermin. Because of its retractable claws. Cats are generally fond of sitting in high places or perching. A higher place may serve as a concealed site from which to hunt; domestic cats strike prey by pouncing from a perch such as a tree branch.