Neofelidae

Neofelidae is a family of extinct feliform carnivorans that lived during the Late Oligocene to Early Miocene epochs, approximately 28 to 20 million years ago. This group is notable for its close evolutionary relationship to modern felids (cats), though it is not considered a direct ancestor. Fossil remains of Neofelidae have been primarily discovered in Eurasia, with key sites including China, Mongolia, and Europe.

The taxonomy of Neofelidae is relatively well-defined, consisting of two genera: *Neofelis* and *Pseudaelurus*. *Neofelis* is distinguished by its robust skull and powerful jaws, suggesting a predatory lifestyle. *Pseudaelurus*, on the other hand, exhibits more generalized features, indicating a broader dietary range. These animals likely occupied ecological niches similar to modern small to medium-sized cats, such as leopards or lynxes.

Neofelidae is significant in the evolutionary history of felids because it represents an early divergence within the Feliformia suborder. While not ancestral to all modern cats, it provides insights into the morphological and behavioral adaptations that occurred during the transition from earlier, more primitive carnivorans to the specialized felids of today. The family’s fossils help paleontologists understand the evolutionary pressures that shaped the diversification of cat-like predators.

The exact ecological role of Neofelidae remains speculative, but their presence coincides with a period of climatic and environmental changes in the late Cenozoic. These shifts likely influenced the distribution and adaptation of carnivorans, contributing to the eventual rise of more specialized felids in later geological periods.