The scientific name of the common house cat is Felis catus. This designation is part of the binomial nomenclature system established by Carl Linnaeus, which classifies living organisms by their genus and species. Felis refers to the genus that includes small cats, while catus signifies the domesticated species. Understanding its scientific name helps emphasize the cat's place in the animal kingdom, as well as its relationship to wild feline species like the European wildcat (Felis silvestris). The house cat has evolved alongside humans for thousands of years, becoming one of the most popular pets worldwide.