The term “big cat” often leads to confusion, as it is commonly used to describe any large wild feline. However, from a scientific perspective, the classification of “big cats” is more specific and depends on distinct biological characteristics. This article will explore the scientific categorization of cats to clarify why pumas, despite their size, are not typically grouped with roaring felines like lions and tigers.
The Scientific Classification of Cats
The family Felidae, encompassing all cat species, is primarily divided into two subfamilies: Pantherinae and Felinae. The Pantherinae subfamily includes the “big cats” such as lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards. These species are known for their ability to roar, a vocalization linked to the unique structure of their hyoid bone, which is incompletely ossified and allows for greater flexibility. This anatomical feature enables them to produce deep, resonant roars.
Conversely, the Felinae subfamily comprises smaller cats, including domestic cats, cheetahs, and pumas. Members of this subfamily possess a fully ossified hyoid bone, which restricts their ability to roar. Instead, these cats are capable of purring, a continuous, low-frequency vocalization produced during both inhalation and exhalation.
The Puma’s Place in the Cat Family
Despite their considerable size, pumas (Puma concolor) are classified within the Felinae subfamily, alongside smaller cat species. This classification means that pumas, like house cats, can purr but cannot produce a true roar. Pumas are also known by many regional names, including cougar, mountain lion, and catamount, which often contributes to public misconception about their classification.
Pumas are solitary predators with a wide geographical distribution, spanning from Canada to the southern tip of South America, making them the most widespread terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere. Their physical attributes include a slender, muscular body, powerful limbs, and a uniform tawny to reddish-brown coat, which gives rise to their scientific name concolor, meaning “of one color.” Adult males can reach lengths of up to 7.9 feet (2.4 meters) from nose to tail tip and weigh between 115 and 220 pounds (52 and 100 kg), while females are smaller. These adaptable cats inhabit diverse environments, from dense forests and mountains to grasslands and deserts.
Distinguishing Pumas from Other Large Felines
The primary distinction between pumas and “big cats” like lions and tigers lies in their vocalization capabilities, specifically the ability to roar versus purr. While pumas are formidable predators, capable of hunting prey larger than themselves, their scientific classification places them among the purring cats.
Pumas, though often considered large, are the largest species within the Felinae subfamily. They are adept at climbing and swimming, and communicate through a range of vocalizations including hisses, growls, whistles, and purrs. Their hunting strategy involves ambushing prey from close range, often breaking the neck of larger animals with a powerful bite. Although they are not “big cats” by scientific definition, pumas are apex predators that play a significant role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.