Including the domestic cat, there are approximately 37 species in the cat family (Felidae), seven of which are considered “big cats.” Cats are independent, graceful, and secretive animals. All cats, big and small, are predators, which means that they hunt other animals and eat only meat. They are the ultimate carnivore (meat eaters), equipped with sharp teeth and claws suitable for catching, killing, and eating their prey. They are the supreme predators of the animal world and are among the most intelligent, beautiful, graceful, and athletic of all creatures.

The cat family is usually divided into two groups, known as big cats and small cats. The latter includes the domestic cats. The big cats include the:

• Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
• Clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa)
• Jaguar (Panthera onca)
• Leopard (Panthera pardus)
• Lion (Panthera leo)
• Snow leopard (Panthera uncia)
• Tiger (Panthera tigris)

The big cats share their origins as well as many aspects of their behavior wih their smaller relatives, although most of the big cats are members of the Panthera genus, while the small cats are members of the Felis genus.

There is, however, a fundamental distinction between the two groups in that most big cats have the ability to roar, but cannot continuously purr, while small cats can purr continuously, but do not roar. It should be noted that snow leopards, clouded leopards and cheetahs cannot roar. In addition, most big cats lie down to eat and rest with their paws in front. Most small cats stand or sit to eat and rest with their paws tucked under or sprawled out.

All cats, except cheetahs, have claws that can be pulled back into sheaths on the paws (retracted). The cheetah can only partially retract their claws.