 Cats are similar in anatomy to the other felids , with a strong , flexible body , quick reflexes , sharp retractable claws , and teeth adapted to killing small prey . Cat senses fit a crepuscular and predatory ecological niche . Cats can hear sounds too faint or too high in frequency for human ears , such as those made by mice and other small animals . They can see in near darkness . Like most other mammals , cats have poorer color vision and a better sense of smell than humans . Cats , despite being solitary hunters , are a social species and cat communication includes the use of a variety of vocalizations ( mewing , purring , trilling , hissing , growling , and grunting ) , as well as cat pheromones and types of cat @-@ specific body language . 
