Cat Family
Cats, or Felidae, are distributed throughout the world, with the exception of Australia, New Zealand and a few other regions. In general, they are the most carnivorous of all the flesh-eating mammals, we might place them in the same relative position among quadrupeds as the hawks, eagles and falcons hold among birds. Their anatomical features are admirably suited for their role as hunters. All the cats have lithe, muscular frames, with longish bodies and relatively short limbs. They excel in climbing and some species live or spend considerable time in trees.
The cats with the exception of the cheetah are not the fleetest of mammals. However, they move rapidly, covering ground in a series of zigzag leaps or bounds rather than by direct running. Usually, wild cats advance stealthily on their prey when within striking distance, then seize their victim with a mighty spring or pounce. Some cats utter roar or yell when attacking, paralyzing their prey with fear.
Cats move noiselessly; their soft velvety foot pads deaden any sound. They have strong, curved claws which - except for the cheetah - can be retracted. The sharp claws are withdrawn by the use of special muscles and ligaments. When retracted, the claws rest in sheaths which pre-vent any accidental hooking into objects.
All cats have very acute senses of sight and hearing. Their eyes are adapted for seeing in the day and night. Although cats have a good sense of smell, this trait cannot compare with that of the dog. Since their sight and hearing are excellent, cats use their lesser sense of smells a secondary aid in hunting.
Actually, the Felidae agree in form and structure to such a degree that zoologists have not formally subdivided them. Therefore, the cats are considered members of a single family, although some of the odd types, such as the cheetah, jaguarondi and serial, might merit separation.
The wild cats are not gregarious, but exhibit a strong independence in their relationship with others of the species. It is true that lions are seen in groups or “prides”. But even these large cats do not congregate in numbers approaching those of some other mammals, notably the large grazing animals, such as horses, deer and bison.
Even though zoologists have not formally classified the Felidae into subfamilies, tribes or races, the cats usually are placed in one of three arbitrary groups or classifications