Proailurus

Proailurus is an extinct genus of early felids that is widely regarded as among the earliest true cats (family Felidae). It inhabited Europe during the late Oligocene to early Miocene, approximately 28 to 20 million years ago. Fossils have been found in western and central European localities, with material from regions such as France and Germany, and possibly neighboring areas. The genus comprises small, cat-like carnivorans that were probably similar in size to a domestic cat or slightly larger.

In terms of anatomy, Proailurus shows a combination of primitive carnivoran features and early felid characteristics. Its skull and dentition indicate a carnivorous diet with shearing teeth adapted for slicing meat, consistent with a predatory lifestyle. Limb and skeletal proportions suggest that it was agile and capable of stalking and short pursuit. Compared with modern cats, Proailurus likely had less specialized retractile claws, reflecting an earlier stage in the evolution of felid adaptations.

Taxonomically, Proailurus is usually classified as one of the earliest members of Felidae and is sometimes placed in a subfamily such as Proailurinae. Its fossils help illuminate the origin and early diversification of true cats, supporting the view that the Felidae lineage began in Eurasia during the Oligocene and continued to diversify into the Miocene. While not a direct ancestor of all modern cats, Proailurus represents a key stem group in the evolutionary history of the family.