ailouros

Ailouros is a genus of extinct carnivorous mammals belonging to the family Felidae, the cat family. Fossil evidence indicates that ailouros lived during the Miocene epoch, approximately 23 to 5 million years ago. The genus is primarily known from fossils found in Eurasia.

The most well-known species within this genus is Ailouros *georgicus*. Remains of Ailouros *georgicus* have been discovered in various locations, including Georgia and potentially other parts of Europe and Asia. This species is characterized by its relatively large size compared to modern domestic cats, though it was likely smaller than some of the larger extinct felids.

The exact phylogenetic relationships of ailouros within the Felidae family are still debated among paleontologists. However, it is generally considered to be an early member of the cat lineage, contributing to our understanding of feline evolution. The diet of ailouros likely consisted of small to medium-sized prey, reflecting the ecological niches available during the Miocene. The discovery and study of ailouros fossils provide valuable insights into the diversity and evolutionary history of cats.