Cats

100 species

Cats are members of the family Felidae and constitute a clade. They are also called felids. The term "cat" refers both to felids in general and specifically to the domestic cat. Wild cats occur in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Some wild cat species are adapted to forest habitats, some to arid environments, and a few also to wetlands and mountainous terrain. Cats exhibit the most diverse fur pattern of all terrestrial carnivores. They have retractile claws, slender muscular bodies, and strong flexible forelimbs. Their teeth and facial muscles allow for a powerful bite. They are all obligate carnivores, and most are solitary predators ambushing or stalking their prey. Their activity patterns range from nocturnal and crepuscular to diurnal, depending on their preferred prey species.
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Cats are members of the family Felidae and constitute a clade. They are also called felids. The term "cat" refers both to felids in general and specifically to the domestic cat. Wild cats occur in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Some wild cat species are adapted to forest habitats, some to arid environments, and a few also to wetlands and mountainous terrain. Cats exhibit the most diverse fur pattern of all terrestrial carnivores. They have retractile claws, slender muscular bodies, and strong flexible forelimbs. Their teeth and facial muscles allow for a powerful bite. They are all obligate carnivores, and most are solitary predators ambushing or stalking their prey. Their activity patterns range from nocturnal and crepuscular to diurnal, depending on their preferred prey species.
show less