[originaltext] Cats have been popular pets for thousands of years. The ancie

Cats have been popular pets for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians are thought to have been the first to keep cats in their homes. Today, people like cats for many reasons. Cats are easy to care for. They are soft and beautiful and they can catch mice!
    A cat is a natural hunter. It has a good sense of hearing. Its sense of smell is well developed, too. Its eyes can detect the smallest movements. With its powerful legs it can run after its prey and jump to catch it.
    A pet cat that is fed every day does net need to hunt for food. But it may go after a mouse anyway. This is because hunting is an instinct in cats. They are born with this ability.
    Cats have other instincts as well. They purr when they are happy. They arch their backs and puff up their fur when they are afraid. Cats also scratch objects with their front claws. Some people think cats scratch to sharpen their claws. Others think this action helps exercise their legs and feet. Both reasons may be true.
    There are many breeds of cats. Some have long hair, others have short hair. Their coats can have different colors and patterns. Cats have different personalities, too. Some use their voices a lot. Others are silent. Some are shy, while others are friendly. Many people enjoy having these animals as companions.