Big Cats

The term "big cat," scientifically, refers to the species of cats that are currently living members of the genus Panthera. This includes lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, and snow leopards. However, it is sometimes used to refer to another genus under the subfamily of Pantherinae, which includes the clouded leopard. To others, it refers to any large species that is part of the Felidae family, adding cheetahs and cougars to the category. It all depends on who you ask.

The ability to roar has been used as a distinguishing feature to determine which cats are "big cats" and which are not. Although this trait is shared by most members of the Panthera genus, snow leopards lack the ability to roar. Therefore, it is not a reliable way to distinguish big cats from others.

This page will tell you all about each large species of the Felidae family!

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