What, exactly, is a domestic cat?

Question: What, exactly, is a domestic cat? I am thoroughly confused about the definition of a "domestic cat." Aren't all cats domesticated these days? What is the difference between a domestic cat and a mixed breed cat?

Answer: I thoroughly understand your confusion, and don't feel alone. Many people feel disappointed or feel that their cat has been slighted by being described as a domestic cat. Yes, the cats we enjoy as pets today are all domesticated, in that they all descend from those original cats in Africa, the Mediterranean and middle east regions.

What is a Mixed Breed Cat?

Cats of unknown origin with body types, coats, and/or color pattern markings similar to one or another breed, may be described as a "mixed breed" cat, or specifically a "Siamese mix," but they should never be identified by that breed, e.g., "a Siamese cat." The key phrase is. . .learn more by reading my full reply
Photo of Ziggy,Credit: © Carol