Here's a breakdown of its etymology:
* Latin: *felis* (meaning "cat")
* Old French: *felin* (meaning "cat-like")
* Middle English: *felin* (meaning "cat-like")
* Modern English: *feline* (meaning "of or relating to cats")
So, "feline" essentially traces its roots back to the ancient Latin word for "cat", reflecting the close association of the word with the animal family we know as cats.