Cats are one of the cutest animals that we all love. When talking about cats, the first thing that comes to mind is the cats we keep as pets in our homes.

But you know? That our lazy and friendly house cats have the coolest relatives in the wild.

Felidae is the world’s largest mammal family with over 1000 small and large cats. Having lived on this earth for millions of years, they have become the deadliest predators among wild animals.

Read on to learn more about this species that you didn’t know!
#1. Tiger

Living in South and Southeast Asia, these black and orange-striped big cats are nature’s most massive cats. They are apex predators in their territories and these tigers have no enemies.

The largest male tiger recorded so far in this largest cat species weighed more than 387 kg and was more than 4 meters long.

These powerful tigers have the ability to hunt down any small animals with ease. Otherwise, tigers have to fight other tigers for the lands they dominate. They also live isolated from each other.

#2. Lion

You must know well about lions. The first thing that comes to your mind is that they are recognized as the leader or king of the wild animals.

These majestic looking lions live as iconic animals in Africa, the Middle East and India. In their natural habitat, they always live in a group called a pride.

It strengthens their hunting ability and their social status. There is a leader who is the strongest male with other males, females and cubs.

But in size comparison, a lion may be a bit smaller than a tiger.

#3. Jaguar

Jaguar is ranked third among the fiercest animals in the jungle. This cat species is native to North, Central and South America and lives in the American continent.

In addition, the jaguar is the only big cat living there. Its weight can be 90 to 100 kg and its length is more than 2.5 meters.

#4. Cougar

This cougar, belonging to the Felidae subfamily, is only found in the Americas and can also be found in the wild from Canada to Argentina.

Unlike the other 4 pantherines, the cougar doesn’t roars, it purrs. It is also a close relative of the domestic cat, which hunts other small animals in the wild.

#5. Leopard

This species, which has many similarities with the jaguar, lives mainly in Europe. But small populations are widespread, especially in Russia, and can also be found in Asia and Africa.

A few differences can be seen between the breeders of the two species. Leopards are generally small in size and relatively less muscular. So they are faster.