Cats

Cats at a glance

Need to know

• All cats, from the tiny rusty-spotted cat to the enormous tiger, belong to the family Felidae.
• The cheetah is the fastest land animal, reaching speeds up to 112 km/h (70 mph) in short sprints.
• Domestic cats were likely first domesticated in the Near East around 10,000 years ago.
• Most wild cat species are solitary, but lions live in complex social groups called prides.
• Felidae species are found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia (outside of domestic/feral cats).

About the Cats

Cats are a remarkably diverse family of carnivorous mammals found across the globe, from dense rainforests to arid deserts and grassy plains. Members of the Felidae family share common features such as retractable claws, keen senses, and a highly specialized predatory lifestyle. Their lineage dates back about 10-12 million years, with species evolving distinct traits suited to a wide range of habitats, from the icy forests of Siberia (Siberian tiger) to the wetlands of South America (jaguar).

The most familiar member is the domestic cat (Felis catus), a globally spread species accompanying humans as pets or, in many regions, living as feral populations. Wild relatives range from the powerful, roaring big cats—tigers, lions, leopards, jaguars—to the smaller, elusive wildcats like the serval, caracal, and ocelot. Many cat species face mounting threats from habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with humans, with several big cats now endangered or vulnerable. Conservation and research efforts are crucial to their survival.

Physical characteristics

Size: 35 cm (rusty-spotted cat) to 3.3 m (tiger) in length, 1.0 kg to over 300 kg in weight. Weight: 1 kg to 306 kg. Lifespan: 10-15 years in the wild, up to 25-30 years in captivity/with domestic cats.

• Retractable claws (except cheetah, partially retracted)
• Sharp, conical canine teeth
• Prominent vibrissae (whiskers)
• Short, muscular muzzles
• Powerful and flexible bodies

Notable species

• Tiger (Panthera tigris) — Endangered. Tropical forests, mangroves, grasslands, and taiga Regions: Siberia, Southeast Asia, Indian Subcontinent, Russian Far East, Sumatra.
• Lion (Panthera leo) — Vulnerable. Savannas, grasslands, open woodlands Regions: East Africa, Southern Africa, West Africa, India (Gir Forest).
• Leopard (Panthera pardus) — Vulnerable. Rainforests, savannas, mountains, deserts Regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, Northeast Africa, Central Asia, India, Sri Lanka.
• Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) — Vulnerable. Grasslands, savannas, arid regions Regions: Eastern Africa, Southern Africa, Iran.
• Jaguar (Panthera onca) — Near Threatened. Rainforests, swamps, riverine forests Regions: Amazon Rainforest, Central America, Brazilian Pantanal, Northern Argentina.
• Domestic Cat (Felis catus) — Domesticated (Not Evaluated, but many feral populations unwanted). Homes, urban areas, rural regions Regions: North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia.

Habitat and range

Original range: All continents except Australia and Antarctica; originated in Eurasia and Africa.

Current distribution: Nearly every continent and many oceanic islands for domestic/feral cats; wild cats on all continents except Australia and Antarctica.

Preferred environments: Rainforests, Savannas, Temperate forests, Wetlands, Deserts, Mountains, Urban areas (domestic cats)

Regions: Sub-Saharan Africa, East Africa, Southeast Asia, Indian Subcontinent, Amazon Rainforest, Siberia, Central Asia, North America, Europe, Australia (domestic/feral cats only)

Where to see Cats

• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania — June to October. Best place to see lions and cheetahs; game drives at dawn and dusk are most productive.
• Bandhavgarh National Park, India — March to June. High density of tigers; guided jeep safaris offer best viewing opportunities.
• Pantanal, Brazil — July to September. Prime site to spot jaguars and ocelots, especially along riverbanks.
• Home, Worldwide — Year-round. Domestic cats are the most widely seen members of Felidae.

Behavior and diet

Diet: Obligate carnivores; diet primarily consists of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish (specialists in some species); domestic cats may adapt to a wider diet if fed by humans.

Social structure: Primarily solitary, except lions (live in prides) and some loosely social feral domestic cats.

Communication: Vocalizations (roaring in Panthera except snow leopard and cheetah, meowing, purring, hissing), chemical marking, visual cues (tail, ear, facial expressions), scratching.

• Silent stalking with padded feet and retractable claws
• Scent marking using urine or gland secretions
• Many species cache or hide food for later
• Domestic cats purr, and big cats (except cheetahs and snow leopards) roar

Interactions with other animals

• Prey mammals (rodents, deer, antelope) (predator): Cats are apex or mesopredators, regulating populations of prey species.
• Hyenas (competitive): Lions and leopards often compete or scavenge from hyenas and vice versa.
• Humans (symbiotic (domestic cats), antagonistic (wild cats)): Domestic cats benefit from a relationship with people; wild cats face threats from habitat loss and illegal trade.
• Dogs (competitive): Domestic cats and dogs may compete for space or food in urban environments.

Conservation

IUCN Red List status: Several species are Endangered or Vulnerable (IUCN); domestic cats are not evaluated but pose a threat as feral populations.

Threats

• Habitat loss and fragmentation
• Poaching and illegal wildlife trade
• Retaliatory killing by livestock owners
• Depletion of natural prey
• Hybridization and disease (some wildcat species)
• Feral domestic cats predating on native wildlife

Conservation efforts

• International protections (CITES listings)
• Anti-poaching patrols and habitat restoration
• Captive breeding and reintroduction programs
• Community education and wildlife corridors

How to help

• Support and donate to conservation organizations
• Report illegal trafficking or poaching
• Advocate for habitat protection and wildlife corridors
• Keep domestic cats indoors or in controlled spaces to protect wildlife
• Participate in citizen science projects related to wild cats

Cats facts for kids

Cats are wild and domestic animals known for their agility, sharp claws, and hunting skills. Some cats are big and powerful, like tigers and lions, while others are small enough to live at home as pets. All cats have sharp teeth, whiskers, and love to sneak up on their prey!

• Cheetahs can run faster than a car on the highway—up to 112 km/h (70 mph)!
• All kittens are born with blue eyes, which may change color as they grow.
• A group of lions is called a pride.
• Tigers love to swim and are excellent swimmers.
• Your housecat shares 95% of its DNA with a tiger!

Did you know? Did you know that the world's smallest wild cat is the rusty-spotted cat, which can fit in the palm of your hand?

Watch & learn

• The Secret Lives of Big Cats: Exploring the Felidae Family — BBC Earth. This feature dives deep into the lives, hunting strategies, and conservation of the world’s most iconic big cats, including tigers, lions, and leopards, all members of the Felidae family. BBC Earth's stunning footage and insightful narration make this a must-watch for anyone curious about wild cats.
• World’s Most Elusive Wild Cats | Big Cat Week — National Geographic WILD. A thrilling documentary focusing on the rarest and most secretive wild cats, such as the snow leopard and jaguar. National Geographic’s signature wildlife storytelling uncovers their survival tactics, habitats, and conservation hopes.
• Living With Predators: Cheetahs and Lions in Africa — Smithsonian Channel. This documentary highlights predators of the African savannah: cheetahs and lions. With in-depth research and immersive footage, viewers get a close look at the daily struggles and social lives of Africa's top Felidae members.
• The Story of House Cats: From Wild to Domestic — PBS Nature. Perfect for those interested in both wild and domestic Felidae, this episode traces the journey from wildcat ancestors to modern house cats, showcasing evolutionary triumphs and complex human-animal relationships.
• Survival Tactics of Small Wild Cats — Smithsonian Channel. An extraordinary look at less-celebrated yet fascinating small wild cats like the serval, caracal, and fishing cat, exploring their remarkable adaptations and secretive lives across various continents.