We have many different cat breeds represented in this colorful image by the artist Ditz. There is a tabby, a calico, a ginger cat, a black cat, a Persian, and a ragdoll. 

Recent studies also give an explanation for the way cats spread quickly around the world. By analyzing the ancient DNA of cat remains found in port cities, scientists concluded that cats were brought along on ships, most likely to help protect food stores by killing rodents. 

In fact, the change in population from hunter-gatherers to grain-growing people created a need for cats and their hunting skills and allowed them to get closer to humans, who also grew dependant upon them.

But are today's cats really domesticated? Undoubtedly, one of the major attractions of cat ownership today is that while being tame, cats remain little altered from their wild relatives, exhibiting many characteristics and traits that are mimicked in feral cats. For example, they have never lost their ability to hunt. However, many show no desire to do so, preferring to have their humans wait upon them, and although friendly enough, they remain as aloof and enigmatic as ever.

One common trait shared by all cats is their love of a good window perch. They will sit for hours surveying the landscape, and these friendly felines are no exception as they hang out enjoying the winter view, and their mousy entertainment.