Big Cats popularly refers to the class of wild animals in the family Felidae, and more specifically the larger species in the genus Panthera. Initially, they consisted of the Lion, Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Jaguar but now include also the Cheetah, Clouded Leopard, Cougar, and Sunda Clouded Leopard.

Most big cats can be found in Africa, America, and Asia. These animals are normally large and muscular except for the Cheetah and also portray different behaviors both in the wild, in captivity, and conservatory parks. Big Cats also commonly sport a spotted skin and a skull or face that is flatted or evenly convex. The Lion, Leopard, Tiger, and Jaguar are the only big cats with the ability to roar.

What makes an animal a Panthera?

A Panthera animal is characterized by its specific skull shape that has a flat dorsal profile. All Panthera species also have an incomplete ossified hyoid bone. They have an adapted larynx with larger vocal folds that are covered in a fibro-elastic pad that allows all Panthera species except the snow leopard to roar.

What is the largest Big Cat species?

The largest Big Cat species is the Siberian Tiger which typically weighs a total of 931 pounds and is native to Northeastern China, Korea, Russia, as well as parts of India and the Himalayas. The other large Big Cats species include the Lion, Jaguar, Cougar, and Snow Leopard.

Do all Big Cats purr?

Generally, all Big Cats, which include lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars, cannot purr, but they can roar. Small cats, including bobcats, ocelots, lynxes, cougars, and house cats can purr, but they cannot roar. Roaring and purring allow these species of cats to vocalize and communicate with each other.

Big Cats Guides
Browse through our curated Big Cats Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Big Cats. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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44"-50" | 1.1-1.3 m
54"-78" | 1.4-2 m
270-420 lb | 120-190 kg
10-15 years (wild), 30 (captivity)
African Lion
130.000
200.000
190.000
15.00
449000
GUIDE
3D
African Lion
30”-46” | 76-117 cm
4’7”-6’5” | 1.4-2 m
265-500 lb | 120-250 kg
12-18 years (wild); 18-20 years (captivity)
Asiatic Lion
117.000
200.000
250.000
20.00
7400
GUIDE
3D
Asiatic Lion
34”-45” | 86-114 cm
5’3”-6’5” | 160-196 cm
220-650 lb | 100-295 kg
8-10 years (wild); 18-25 years (captivity)
Bengal Tiger
114.000
196.000
295.000
25.00
45000
GUIDE
3D
Bengal Tiger
Caracal
81000
16”-20” | 41-51 cm
24”-42” | 61-107 cm
15-45 lb | 7-20 kg
10-12 years (wild); 15-20 years (captivity)
Caracal
51.000
107.000
20.000
20.00
81000
GUIDE
3D
Caracal
Cheetah
185000
28”-35” | 70–90 cm
44”-59” | 112-150 cm
77-143 lb | 35-65 kg
10-12 years
Cheetah
90.000
150.000
65.000
10.00
185000
GUIDE
3D
Cheetah
18”-22” | 46-56 cm
27”-43” | 69-109 cm
25-50 lb | 11-23 kg
11-15 years (wild); 17-20 years (captivity)
Clouded Leopard
56.000
109.000
23.000
20.00
30000
GUIDE
3D
Clouded Leopard
Cougar
150000
21”-28” | 53-71 cm
42”-54” | 107-137 cm
65-200 lb | 30-91 kg
10-13 years (wild); Up to 20 years (captivity)
Cougar
71.000
137.000
91.000
20.00
150000
GUIDE
3D
Cougar
Jaguar
407000
27”-31” | 69-79 cm
4’10”-6’ | 147-183 cm
80-250 lb | 36-113 kg
8-15 years (wild); 18-25 years (captivity)
Jaguar
79.000
183.000
113.000
25.00
407000
GUIDE
3D
Jaguar
10”-14” | 25-36 cm
22”-30” | 56-76 cm
6-20 lb | 3-9 kg
10-12 years (wild); Up to 20 years (captivity)
Jaguarundi
36.000
76.000
9.000
20.00
26000
GUIDE
3D
Jaguarundi
Margay
19000
12”-17” | 31-43 cm
18”-31” | 36-79 cm
5-9 lb | 2-4 kg
12-14 years (wild); Up to 24 years (captivity)
Margay
43.000
79.000
4.000
24.00
19000
GUIDE
3D
Margay
Ocelot
137000
15”-20” | 38-51 cm
27”-40” | 69-102 cm
18-40 lb | 8-18 kg
12-15 years (wild); Up to 20 years (captivity)
Ocelot
51.000
102.000
18.000
20.00
137000
GUIDE
3D
Ocelot
Serval
78000
21”-26” | 53-66 cm
23”-36” | 58-91 cm
15-40 lb | 7-18 kg
10-12 years (wild); Up to 20 years (captivity)
Serval
66.000
91.000
18.000
20.00
78000
GUIDE
3D
Serval
30”-42” | 75-107 cm
5’7”-6’10” | 170-208 cm
260-700 lb | 118-318 kg
10-15 years (wild); 20-25 years (captivity)
Siberian Tiger
107.000
208.000
318.000
25.00
49000
GUIDE
3D
Siberian Tiger
22”-26” | 56-66 cm
36”-51” | 91-130 cm
75-120 lb | 34-54 kg
8-15 years (wild); 18-22 years (captivity)
Snow Leopard
66.000
130.000
54.000
22.00
121000
GUIDE
3D
Snow Leopard
Cougar (Puma concolor)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Cougar compared to an average person

The Cougar (Puma concolor), also known as puma, mountain lion, or catamount, is the second largest cat of the New World behind the Jaguar. Despite its large size, the cougar is considered more closely related to the domestic cat because of its inability to roar.

The Cougar has a slender body with a coat color spanning from sandy brown to a brownish-grey. It also has a round head and erect ears.Found in many habitats, the Cougar is one of the most widely-dispersed of any large land mammal. The range of its environment extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from northern Canada to South America. Solitary and nocturnal by nature, the Cougar is rarely spotted as it is wary of humans.

Cougars have a shoulder height between 21”-28” (53-71 cm), body length of 42”-54” (107-137 cm), and weight in the range of 65-200 lb (30-91 kg). The tail of a Cougar is 24”-36” (61-91 cm) in length. Cougars have a typical lifespan of 10-13 years and the wild and up to 20 years in captivity.

Set of standing side elevation drawings of the Cougar
The Cougar (Puma concolor), also known as puma, mountain lion, or catamount, is the second largest cat of the New World behind the Jaguar. Despite its large size, the cougar is considered more closely related to the domestic cat because of its inability to roar.

Cougars have a shoulder height between 21”-28” (53-71 cm), body length of 42”-54” (107-137 cm), and weight in the range of 65-200 lb (30-91 kg). The tail of a Cougar is 24”-36” (61-91 cm) in length. Cougars have a typical lifespan of 10-13 years and the wild and up to 20 years in captivity.

Set of standing side elevation drawings of the Cougar
Cougar (Puma concolor)
Height:
21”-28” | 53-71 cm
Width:
Length:
42”-54” | 107-137 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
Weight:
65-200 lb | 30-91 kg
Area:
Tail Length
24”-36” | 61-91 cm
Scientific Name
Puma concolor
Lifespan
10-13 years (wild); Up to 20 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Cougar side elevation (standing), front (standing), side (sitting)

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Jaguar (Panthera onca)
Scale illustration of an average Jaguar with dimensions for height and length compared to a human

The Jaguar (Panthera onca) is the largest species of the New World cat family and the third largest in the world just behind the tiger and lion. Preferring to live in swamps and wooded areas, the largest population of jaguars is resides in the Amazon rainforest.

The Jaguar closely resembles the Leopard due to its fur color being either gold or black and its rosette pattern for camouflage, however the Jaguar is larger in build and has spots inside of its rosettes. The name ‘jaguar’ comes from the Indian ‘yaguar’ meaning, “he who kills with one leap.” Noted as an apex predator, the Jaguar stalks and jumps its prey and is known to be a skillful climber and swimmer.

Jaguars have a shoulder height between 27”-31” (69-79 cm), body length of 4’10”-6’ (147-183 cm), and weight in the range of 80-250 lb (36-113 kg). The tail of a Jaguar is 18”-32” (46-81 cm) in length. Jaguars have a typical lifespan of 8-15 years in the wild and up to 18-25 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of Jaguar in various poses
The Jaguar (Panthera onca) is the largest species of the New World cat family and the third largest in the world just behind the tiger and lion. Preferring to live in swamps and wooded areas, the largest population of jaguars is resides in the Amazon rainforest.

Jaguars have a shoulder height between 27”-31” (69-79 cm), body length of 4’10”-6’ (147-183 cm), and weight in the range of 80-250 lb (36-113 kg). The tail of a Jaguar is 18”-32” (46-81 cm) in length. Jaguars have a typical lifespan of 8-15 years in the wild and up to 18-25 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of Jaguar in various poses
Jaguar (Panthera onca)
Height:
27”-31” | 69-79 cm
Width:
Length:
4’10”-6’ | 147-183 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
Weight:
80-250 lb | 36-113 kg
Area:
Tail Length
18”-32” | 46-81 cm
Scientific Name
Panthera onca
Lifespan
8-15 years (wild); 18-25 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Jaguar side elevation (standing), front (sitting), side (lying down)

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Margay (Leopardus wiedii)
Scale illustration of an average Margay with dimensions for height and length compared to a human

The Margay (Leopardus wiedii), also known as the tiger cat, is a small cat native to South and Central America. Its primary habitat is the deciduous forest where it prefers to spend most of its time among the trees. As such, the Margay is a talented climber that has the ability to climb down trees head-first—a skill only shared with the Clouded Leopard.

The Margay has large eyes, round ears, brown fur with brownish-black rosettes, and claws that increase its tree climbing capabilities. It is similar in appearance to an ocelot although it has a more distinct face and longer tail.

Margays have a shoulder height between 12”-17” (31-43 cm), body length of 18”-31” (36-79 cm), and weight in the range of 5-9 lb (2-4 kg). The tail of a Margay is 12”-20" (31-51 cm) in length. Margays have a typical lifespan of 12-14 years wild and up to 24 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of Margay in various poses
The Margay (Leopardus wiedii), also known as the tiger cat, is a small cat native to South & Central America. Its lives in the deciduous forest where it prefers to spend most of its time among the trees. As such, the Margay is a talented climber with the ability to climb down trees head first.

Margays have a shoulder height between 12”-17” (31-43 cm), body length of 18”-31” (36-79 cm), and weight in the range of 5-9 lb (2-4 kg). The tail of a Margay is 12”-20" (31-51 cm) in length. Margays have a typical lifespan of 12-14 years wild and up to 24 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of Margay in various poses
Margay (Leopardus wiedii)
Height:
12”-17” | 31-43 cm
Width:
Length:
18”-31” | 36-79 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
Weight:
5-9 lb | 2-4 kg
Area:
Tail Length
12”-20" | 31-51 cm
Scientific Name
Leopardus wiedii
Lifespan
12-14 years (wild); Up to 24 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Margay side elevation (standing), front (sitting), side (lying down)

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Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Siberian Tiger compared to an average person

The Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), also known as the Amur tiger, is the largest subspecies of tiger originating from the Korean Peninsula, the north-eastern parts of China, and eastern Siberia. It has coarse fur in the summer and dense, silky fur in the winter, acclimating the Siberian Tiger to the extreme cold weather of its environment.

The color pattern of the Siberian Tiger is generally paler than that of big cats with narrow black stripes running along its body. Other physical attributes include short, stocky legs, a long tail, and a head similar in size to that of a lion. The Siberian Tiger is a powerful hunter known to travel great distances, capturing prey alone and with stealth.

Siberian Tigers have a shoulder height between 30”-42” (75-107 cm), body length of 5’7”-6’10” (170-208 cm), and weight in the range of 260-700 lb (118-318 kg). The tail of a Siberian Tiger is 35”-40” (89-102 cm) in length. Siberian Tigers have a typical lifespan of 10-15 years in the wild and 20-25 years in captivity.

Set of standing side elevation drawings of the Siberian Tiger
The Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), also known as the Amur tiger, is the largest subspecies of tiger originating from the Korean Peninsula, the north-eastern parts of China, and eastern Siberia. It has coarse fur in the summer and dense, silky fur in the winter, acclimated to the extreme.

Siberian Tigers have a shoulder height between 30”-42” (75-107 cm), body length of 5’7”-6’10” (170-208 cm), and weight in the range of 260-700 lb (118-318 kg). The tail of a Siberian Tiger is 35”-40” (89-102 cm) in length. Siberian Tigers have a typical lifespan of 10-15 years in the wild and 20-25 years in captivity.

Set of standing side elevation drawings of the Siberian Tiger
Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)
Height:
30”-42” | 75-107 cm
Width:
Length:
5’7”-6’10” | 170-208 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
Weight:
260-700 lb | 118-318 kg
Area:
Tail Length
35”-40” | 89-102 cm
Scientific Name
Panthera tigris tigris
Lifespan
10-15 years (wild); 20-25 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Siberian Tiger side elevation (standing), side (sitting), side (lying down)

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Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo leo)
Scale illustration of average male and female Asiatic Lions with dimensions for height and length compared to a human

A subspecies of lion, the Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo leo) finds its origins in the Middle East and India and inhabits the sanctuary of the Gir Forest National Park. Currently, the population of this subspecies is approximately 500 to 600 living animals.

Differences between the Asiatic lion and the African lion include: shape and bone development of the head, a more moderate mane that leaves the top of the head and the ears exposed, and color variations of tawny to a sandy hue. Male Asiatic lions are solitary, often forming loose prides while female Asiatic lions form stronger and more numbered prides with other female lions and their cubs.

Asiatic Lions have a shoulder height between 30”-46” (76-117 cm), body length of 4’7”-6’5” (1.4-2 m), and weight in the range of 265-500 lb (120-250 kg). The tail of an Asiatic Lion is 30”-40” (76-102 cm) in length. Asiatic Lions have a typical lifespan of 12-18 years in the wild and 18-20 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of male Asiatic Lions in various poses
A subspecies of lion, the Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo leo) finds its origins in the Middle East and India and inhabits the sanctuary of the Gir Forest National Park. Currently, the population of the Asiatic Lion subspecies is approximately 500 to 600 living animals on the planet.

Asiatic Lions have a shoulder height between 30”-46” (76-117 cm), body length of 4’7”-6’5” (1.4-2 m), and weight in the range of 265-500 lb (120-250 kg). The tail of an Asiatic Lion is 30”-40” (76-102 cm) in length. Asiatic Lions have a typical lifespan of 12-18 years in the wild and 18-20 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of male Asiatic Lions in various poses
Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo leo)
Height:
30”-46” | 76-117 cm
Width:
Length:
4’7”-6’5” | 1.4-2 m
Depth:
Withers Height
Weight:
265-500 lb | 120-250 kg
Area:

Male:

Height: 36”-46” | 91-117 cm

Length: 5’6”-6’5” | 1.68-2 m

Weight: 330-500 lb | 150-250 kg



Female:

Height: 30”-40” | 76-102 cm

Length: 4’7”-5’8” | 1.4-1.73 m

Weight: 265-408 lb | 120-185 kg

Tail Length
30”-40” | 76-102 cm
Scientific Name
Panthera leo leo
Lifespan
12-18 years (wild); 18-20 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Asiatic Lion male and female side elevation (standing), front (standing), side (lying down)

Details & Downloads

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