félide

Félide is a taxonomic family of mammals within the order Carnivora. This family includes all of the world's "cats," both wild and domestic. The most distinguishing characteristics of félides include their retractable claws (with the exception of the cheetah), specialized teeth for shearing flesh, and keen senses of sight and hearing. Their bodies are typically lithe and muscular, adapted for stealthy hunting.

The family félide is divided into two subfamilies: Pantherinae and Felinae. Pantherinae, often referred to as "big cats," includes genera like Panthera (lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars) and Neofelis (clouded leopards). These cats are generally larger and possess the ability to roar, except for the snow leopard. Felinae, the "small cats," encompasses a much wider variety of species, including cougars, cheetahs, lynxes, ocelots, and the domestic cat (Felis catus). Members of Felinae typically purr and cannot roar.

Félides are found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia (though they were introduced to Australia by humans). They occupy a diverse range of habitats, from dense forests and grasslands to deserts and mountains. As carnivores, their diet consists primarily of meat, and they are apex predators in many ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Their conservation status varies greatly among species, with many facing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.