Cats
Cat species of the World
M. Pittet
G. Ortiz
A Basic Overview of the Biology and Ecology Common to Most Cat Species
Cats, belonging to the family Felidae, exhibit unique biological and ecological traits that enable them to thrive as apex or mesopredators in various environments. Despite differences in size, behaviour, and distribution, most species share key adaptations rooted in their evolutionary history and specialised carnivorous lifestyle. Below is a general overview of their biology and ecology.
Prey Selection
Felids are apex predators, with dietary preferences strongly influenced by prey availability, individual behaviour, and ecological constraints. Most species display a tendency to target prey of a size that maximises caloric intake while minimising risk during capture. For instance, larger species like lions (Panthera leo) and tigers typically hunt ungulates, while smaller species like the caracal (Caracal caracal) focus on rodents and birds.
Dietary preferences also exhibit significant variation across populations and seasons. Seasonal fluctuations in prey abundance often prompt dietary shifts, such as pumas (Puma concolor) in North America favouring smaller prey during times of low prey biomass. Similarly, jaguars (Panthera onca) in forested habitats show a marked preference for arboreal or smaller prey compared to the larger prey they target in open areas.
The dietary plasticity of felids reflects their ecological niches and metabolic requirements. For example, studies on pumas in Texas reveal selective predation on white-tailed deer despite the availability of other prey, emphasising the role of prey density and accessibility in shaping hunting behaviour.
P. Meier
Ranging Behaviour
Felid home-range size is closely tied to body mass and ecological factors such as prey availability and habitat productivity. Larger species require expansive territories to meet their metabolic demands, especially during breeding or when raising young. Prey biomass and distribution significantly influence home range size and overlap, with dense prey populations corresponding to smaller, less overlapping ranges.
Sexual dimorphism in home range size is evident in many species. Males typically occupy larger ranges than females, a behaviour linked to the need to locate mates and establish dominance over territories. Female home ranges, in contrast, are often determined by prey availability, particularly during critical reproductive periods. For example, in tigers (Panthera tigris), female home ranges in prey-rich regions such as India and Nepal are smaller than those in prey-scarce areas like Siberia.
Studies of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) highlight differences in dispersal behaviour based on population density and habitat connectivity. After independence, juveniles form transient ranges, with dispersal distances averaging 26 km in dense populations and up to 63 km in sparse ones. Habitat connectivity remains a limiting factor, emphasising the importance of landscape conservation in ensuring viable populations.
B. Cranke
Appearance
Felids are obligate carnivores with anatomical features finely tuned for hunting and consuming vertebrate prey. Although the size range among cat species spans from the diminutive rusty-spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus), weighing just 1–2 kg, to the massive tiger (Panthera tigris), which can exceed 300 kg, their morphological traits remain remarkably consistent. These traits are adaptations for stalking, ambushing, subduing, and consuming prey, tasks central to their survival.
All felids possess elongated limbs equipped with protractile claws, which can retract into protective sheaths when not in use (with the exception of the cheetah). Forelimbs bear five digits of which one is a dewclaw that is raised off the ground and hence does not show up in footprints, while hind limbs typically have four digits. These claws serve a dual purpose: capturing and immobilising prey and providing traction during rapid sprints or climbs. Their skulls are relatively compact, with short faces and rounded heads, housing 28–30 teeth specialised for gripping and slicing flesh. The sagittal crest, a bony ridge on top of the skull prominent in many carnivores, is reduced in felids, reflecting adaptations for their unique feeding behaviour.
The pelage, or coat, of felids plays a critical role in both hunting and protection. Most species rely on camouflage to approach prey undetected or to avoid predation themselves. Camouflage strategies vary by habitat and lifestyle. Cryptic colouration, where the coat matches the surrounding environment, is common in species like the sand cat (Felis margarita), which blends seamlessly into desert landscapes. In contrast, species like leopards (Panthera pardus) exhibit disruptive colouration with bold patterns that break up their outline in dense forests.
The prevalence of melanistic forms, particularly in moist, forested habitats, underscores the influence of environmental factors on coat colouration. Melanism may confer advantages such as enhanced camouflage in shadowy environments or improved thermoregulation, though the mechanisms driving this adaptation remain an active area of study.
In summary, felids represent a fascinating blend of biological and ecological adaptations that enable them to occupy diverse niches across the globe. From their specialised morphology to their intricate social behaviours, these apex predators exemplify evolutionary ingenuity while highlighting the importance of conservation in a rapidly changing world.
Sociality
Unlike many other carnivores, felids are predominantly solitary, although exceptions exist. Lions are a notable example, forming social groups known as prides, which provide advantages in cooperative hunting and territory defence. Similarly, cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) may display cooperative behaviours among related males.
In solitary species, social interactions typically occur indirectly through scent marking, vocalisations, or territorial displays. Conflicts may arise during mating or territorial disputes, with dominant individuals asserting control. Mature male felids often exhibit aggressive behaviours, such as infanticide, where rival offspring are killed to bring females into oestrus. However, environmental pressures, such as habitat fragmentation, can influence these behaviours. For instance, jaguar infanticide has been linked to habitat changes disrupting traditional territories.
Even solitary species demonstrate complex social strategies. Pumas, for example, maintain overlapping territories with intricate hierarchies and reciprocal interactions. These indirect social networks may enhance survival and reproductive success, suggesting that solitary lifestyles do not preclude sophisticated social behaviour.
Distribution
Felids are distributed across all continents except Australasia and Antarctica, inhabiting diverse ecosystems such as forests, savannahs, deserts, and wetlands. Asia harbours the greatest diversity of felids, with approximately 60% of species, including 14 endemics. Africa, in contrast, hosts 10 species, only three of which are endemic.
While some species, like the leopard and puma, boast extensive ranges spanning multiple continents, others are highly specialised and geographically restricted. The Andean cat (Leopardus jacobita) and Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), for instance, are confined to specific habitats and face significant threats from habitat loss, climate change, and human activities.
Due to their wide distribution, only a fraction of felid ranges are protected, underscoring the vulnerability of many species. Conservation efforts must prioritise habitat preservation, prey availability, and ecological connectivity to mitigate threats and ensure long-term population stability.