The scientific name for a cat is Felis catus. This name was given to the species by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 work, Systema Naturae. The name Felis is derived from the Latin word for “cat”, while catus is thought to be derived from an Egyptian word for “domestic cat”.

The Latin name of a cat is important for a number of reasons. First, it allows scientists to communicate about cats in a precise and unambiguous way. Second, it helps to classify cats within the larger taxonomic system. Third, it can provide insights into the evolutionary history of cats.