Wild cats, the ancestor of the domestic cat, is believed to have evolved in a
desert climate, as evident in the behavior common to both the domestic and wild
forms. Wild cats come from all continents other than Australasia and Antarctica.
Their feces are usually dry, and cats prefer to bury them in sandy places.
Cats will enjoy heat and sun exposure, often sleeping in a sunny area during the
heat of the day. People will start to feel uncomfortable when their skin's
temperature gets higher than about 44.5 °C (112 °F), but cats don't start to
show signs of discomfort until their skin reaches about 52 °C (126 °F).
Cats can easily withstand the heat and cold of a temperate climate, but not for
long periods. Cats have little resistance against fog, rain, and snow and
struggle to maintain their 39 °C (102 °F) body temperature when wet. Most cats
dislike immersion in water; with one major exception is the Turkish Van breed
which has an unusual fondness for water. If a cat is continually exposed to
water from a very young age, many times it will develop a fondness for it; but
this rarely if ever occurs naturally. |