big cat

Savanna apex hunter

Big cat refers to the largest members of the cat family—lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, and sometimes cheetahs, snow leopards, and cougars.

The term usually implies animals that can roar, though usage varies.

Big cats are endangered throughout their range.

In casual speech, any impressively large feline: That Maine Coon is a big cat.

species

lion

Maned African feline

  • tigerLarge striped Asian feline
  • leopardSpotted African wild cat
  • jaguarLarge American spotted cat

cheetah · cougar · panther · snow leopard · puma · lynx · caracal · ocelot · serval · clouded leopard

behavior

roar

Loud, deep animal cry

  • pounceSudden attack leap
  • stalkPlant's vertical support
  • ambushSurprise strike from concealment

hunt · prowl · territorial · solitary · nocturnal · stealth · camouflage · scent marking · grooming · basking

anatomy

mane

Neck hair, horse/lion

paws · tail · fur · coat · rosettes · stripes · spots · retractable claws · canines · muscular

majestic

regal

Of or befitting royalty

powerful · dominant · alpha · imposing · fierce · formidable · awe-inspiring · fearsome · graceful · agile

predator

apex predator

Unpreyed-upon dominant hunter

maneater · attack · chase · takedown · suffocation · bite force · hunt · pack hunting · stalking · ambush predator

habitat

savannah

Tropical grassland ecosystem

territory · den · range · Africa · Asia · India · Serengeti · Sundarbans · Kruger · Masai Mara

conservation

endangered

At risk of extinction

CITES · sanctuary · wildlife reserve · captive breeding · reintroduction · protected · vulnerable · trophy hunting · ivory · illegal trade

cultural

Shere Khan

Bagheera · Narnia · sphinx · heraldry · coat of arms · tiger mom · paper tiger · lion dance · mascot · sports team

idiom

lionhearted

Exceptionally brave and bold

tiger by the tail · throw to the lions

Categories
Opposites
size/domestication

big catdomestic cat

Tamed feline pet

house cat · housecat · pet cat · kitten · tabby

predator status

big catherbivore

Plant-only consumer

gazelle · antelope · rabbit · mouse · deer

Family

big, cat, big cats

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G