Felidae

Felidae is a family of mammals in the order Carnivora, colloquially referred to as cats, and constitutes a clade. A member of this family is also called a felid. The term "cat" refers both to felids in general and specifically to the domestic cat (Felis catus).

Characteristics

Felidae species exhibit a high degree of similarity in structure and behavior, despite size variations. All felids are carnivores and have a pair of retractable claws. In addition to these characteristics, some felids also have the ability to roar.

Classification

The Felidae family is divided into two subfamilies: the Pantherinae (which includes the tiger, the lion, the jaguar, and the leopard), and the Felinae (which includes the cougar, the cheetah, the lynxes, the ocelot, and the domestic cat).

Evolution

Felidae cats are believed to have evolved in Asia about 11 million years ago. They first appeared in the fossil record in Europe, and then spread to the Americas and Africa.

See also

• Pantherinae
• Felinae
• Carnivora

References

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