Felidae

The 41 extant Felidae species exhibit the greatest diversity in fur patterns among terrestrial carnivores. Cats possess retractile claws, muscular bodies, and strong forelimbs, allowing for a powerful bite. All are obligate carnivores, primarily solitary predators found in various habitats across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, with different activity patterns based on prey.

Common characteristics of felids include:
– Digitigrade stance with five toes on forefeet and four on hind feet.
– Protractile claws, compact three-lobed plantar pads, and flexible bodies.
– A foreshortened skull with large orbits, 30 teeth adapted for carnivory, including specialized carnassial teeth.
– A tongue with horn-like papillae for rasping meat and grooming.
– Large, light-sensitive eyes equipped with a tapetum lucidum for excellent night vision.
– Sensitive whiskers and ears for navigating and locating prey.
– Unique vocalizations, including mewing, growling, and purring, with only a few species capable of roaring.
– Felids lack the ability to detect sweetness and have a vomeronasal organ for tasting the air.

They exhibit diverse vocalization and reproductive behavior. Fur varies widely in color, length, and density, ranging from white to black with patterns like spots and stripes. Most cat species are born with spotted fur, but some, like the jaguarundi and caracal, do not. Cubs of species such as lions, cheetahs, and cougars lose their spots as they mature. Cats in cold climates tend to have thick fur, while those in warmer regions have short fur. Melanism occurs in some species, but cougars generally lack it, showing instead leucism and albinism.