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
Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Jaguarundi to a typical person

The Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) is a small wild cat inhabiting the brushy regions of the southwestern United States and South America. The Jaguarundi is also known as the eyra due to both names being used to represent and differentiate the two color varieties: reddish brown (jaguarundi) and grey (eyra).

Both colors are uniform and without any prominent spots or markings. It resembles that of an otter in appearance as its body is sleek and elongated with short ears and a long tail. Although the Jaguarundi typically lives alone, it is noted to withstand the presence of others of its kind.

Jaguarundis have a shoulder height between 10”-14” (25-36 cm), body length of 22”-30” (56-76 cm), and weight in the range of 6-20 lb (3-9 kg). The tail of a Jaguarundi is 12”-20" (31-51 cm) in length. Jaguarundis have a typical lifespan of 10-12 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity.

Series of side elevation illustrations of the Jaguarundi
The Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) is a small wild cat inhabiting the brushy regions of the southwestern USA and South America. The Jaguarundi is also known as the eyra due to both names being used to represent and differentiate the two colors: reddish brown (jaguarundi) and grey (eyra).

Jaguarundis have a shoulder height between 10”-14” (25-36 cm), body length of 22”-30” (56-76 cm), and weight in the range of 6-20 lb (3-9 kg). The tail of a Jaguarundi is 12”-20" (31-51 cm) in length. Jaguarundis have a typical lifespan of 10-12 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity.

Series of side elevation illustrations of the Jaguarundi
Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi)
Height:
10”-14” | 25-36 cm
Width:
Length:
22”-30” | 56-76 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
Weight:
6-20 lb | 3-9 kg
Area:
Tail Length
12”-20" | 31-51 cm
Scientific Name
Herpailurus yagouaroundi
Lifespan
10-12 years (wild); Up to 20 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

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

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Caracal (Caracal caracal)
Scale illustration of an average Caracal with dimensions for height and length compared to a human

The Caracal (Caracal caracal), also known as the Desert lynx, is a moderately sized wild cat found in the deserts and plains of Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and India. Like a Lynx, the Caracal has tufted ears but can be differentiated by its uniform reddish brown coat.

The Caracal also has distinctive black markings on its face: two stripes between the forehead and nose, a black outline around the mouth, and sometimes prominent eyebrow-like blotches. The Caracal is solitary and secretive, but has been trained and used for hunting throughout history.

Caracals have a shoulder height between 16”-20” (41-51 cm), body length of 24”-42” (61-107 cm), and weight in the range of 15-45 lb (7-20 kg). The tail of a Caracal is 9”-13” (23-33 cm) in length. Caracals have a typical lifespan of 10-12 years in the wild and around 15-20 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of Caracal in various poses
The Caracal (Caracal caracal), also known as the Desert lynx, is a moderately sized wild cat found in the deserts and plains of Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and India. Like a Lynx, the Caracal has tufted ears but can be differentiated by its uniform reddish brown coat.

Caracals have a shoulder height between 16”-20” (41-51 cm), body length of 24”-42” (61-107 cm), and weight in the range of 15-45 lb (7-20 kg). The tail of a Caracal is 9”-13” (23-33 cm) in length. Caracals have a typical lifespan of 10-12 years in the wild and around 15-20 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of Caracal in various poses
Caracal (Caracal caracal)
Height:
16”-20” | 41-51 cm
Width:
Length:
24”-42” | 61-107 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
Weight:
15-45 lb | 7-20 kg
Area:
Tail Length
9”-13” | 23-33 cm
Scientific Name
Caracal caracal
Lifespan
10-12 years (wild); 15-20 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Caracal side elevation (standing), side (sitting), side (lying down)

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African Lion (Panthera leo leo)
Comparison of the size of a male and female Lion seen from the front profile

African Lions are large felines with compact and powerful bodies for hunting prey. Characterized by their yellow-gold coats and prominent manes (on males), lions are the world’s most social cats and live in communities called prides. Lions inhabit a range of habitats from open plains, to grasslands, savannas, and forests.

The average Lion has an overall height of 44"-50" (1.1-1.3 m), withers height of 34"-40" (.9-1.0 m), and body length of 54"-78" (1.4-2 m). A typical Lion weighs between 270-420 lb (120-190 kg) and has a lifespan of roughly 10-15 years (wild), 30 (captivity).

Dimensions comparing the height and length of male and female Lions to humans
Lions are large felines with compact and powerful bodies for hunting. Characterized by their yellow-gold coats and prominent manes (on males), lions are the world’s most social cats and live in communities called prides. Lions inhabit a range of habitats from open plains, to savannas, and forests.

The average Lion has an overall height of 44"-50" (1.1-1.3 m), withers height of 34"-40" (.9-1.0 m), and body length of 54"-78" (1.4-2 m). A typical Lion weighs between 270-420 lb (120-190 kg) and has a lifespan of roughly 10-15 years (wild), 30 (captivity).

Dimensions comparing the height and length of male and female Lions to humans
African Lion (Panthera leo leo)
Height:
44"-50" | 1.1-1.3 m
Width:
Length:
54"-78" | 1.4-2 m
Depth:
Withers Height
34"-40" | .9-1.0 m
Weight:
270-420 lb | 120-190 kg
Area:

Male
Length:
4’6”-6’6” | 1.4-2 m
Height (Shoulder): 3’4” | 1 m
Height (Overall): 4’2” | 1.3 m

Female:
Length: 4’6” | 1.4 m
Height (Shoulder): 2’10” | .9 m
Height (Overall): 3’8” | 1.1 m

Tail Length
Scientific Name
Panthera leo
Lifespan
10-15 years (wild), 30 (captivity)

Drawings include:
Male and female Lion side (standing), front, side (lying down)

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Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Snow Leopard to a typical person

The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), also known as an ounce, is a large cat inhabiting the mountains of Central and South Asia. This stocky, short-legged cat is pale grey in color with dark spots and rosettes. Due to living in alpine environments, the Snow Leopard has many features or adaptations to provide warmth and stability.

It has broad paws for walking on snow, a dense undercoat for insulation, a long, bushy tail to cover its face when asleep and to maintain balance, and small ears to lessen heat loss. The Snow Leopard typically rest and reside by ridges in the mountains to ensure a vantage point as it prefers to ambush prey from up above.

Snow Leopards have a shoulder height between 22”-26” (56-66 cm), body length of 36”-51” (91-130 cm), and weight in the range of 75-120 lb (34-54 kg). The tail of a Snow Leopard is 31”-39” (79-99 cm) in length. Snow Leopards have a typical lifespan of 8-15 years in the wild and up to 18-22 years in captivity.

Series of side elevation illustrations of the Snow Leopard
The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia), also known as an ounce, is a large cat inhabiting the mountains of Central and South Asia. This stocky, short-legged cat is pale grey in color with dark spots and rosettes. Due to living in cold alpine environments, the Snow Leopard has many adaptive features.

Snow Leopards have a shoulder height between 22”-26” (56-66 cm), body length of 36”-51” (91-130 cm), and weight in the range of 75-120 lb (34-54 kg). The tail of a Snow Leopard is 31”-39” (79-99 cm) in length. Snow Leopards have a typical lifespan of 8-15 years in the wild and up to 18-22 years in captivity.

Series of side elevation illustrations of the Snow Leopard
Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
Height:
22”-26” | 56-66 cm
Width:
Length:
36”-51” | 91-130 cm
Depth:
Withers Height
Weight:
75-120 lb | 34-54 kg
Area:
Tail Length
31”-39” | 79-99 cm
Scientific Name
Panthera uncia
Lifespan
8-15 years (wild); 18-22 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Snow Leopard side elevation (standing), front (sitting), side (lying down)

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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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