Kissaeläinten

Kissaeläinten is a Finnish term that translates to "feline animals" or "cat family." It refers to the biological family Felidae, which encompasses all species of cats, both wild and domestic. This family is characterized by a shared set of physical and behavioral traits, including retractable claws (with a few exceptions like the cheetah), sharp teeth adapted for tearing flesh, excellent night vision, and a generally carnivorous diet.

The Felidae family is diverse, ranging from the largest predators like tigers and lions to the smallest wild cats such as the sand cat and the black-footed cat. Domestic cats, scientifically known as Felis catus, are also part of this family and are believed to have descended from the African wildcat. Members of Felidae are found on every continent except Antarctica, inhabiting a wide array of environments from dense forests and grasslands to deserts and mountains.

Key features common to most kissaeläinten include their agile bodies, keen senses of hearing and smell, and often solitary or social structures that vary by species. Their predatory nature is a defining characteristic, with most species being apex predators in their respective ecosystems. The classification within Felidae divides them into two subfamilies: Pantherinae (big cats like lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars) and Felinae (smaller cats, including cougars, cheetahs, lynxes, and domestic cats).