Cougars, powerful predators across the Americas, often lead people to wonder if they are “big cats.” This question delves into the scientific criteria that define this exclusive group of animals.
Understanding What Makes a “Big Cat”
The term “big cat” scientifically refers to species within the Panthera genus, including the lion, tiger, jaguar, and leopard. A distinguishing characteristic of most Panthera cats is their ability to produce a deep, resonating roar.
This vocalization is made possible by the specialized anatomy of their larynx and a partially ossified hyoid bone. The flexible nature of this bone and an elastic ligament allow the vocal cords to stretch and vibrate, generating the powerful sound of a roar.
The Cougar’s Unique Identity
Despite its considerable size, the cougar, scientifically known as Puma concolor, is not classified within the Panthera genus and therefore is not considered a “big cat” in the scientific sense. Cougars belong to the Felinae subfamily, which also includes domestic cats and other smaller cat species. A primary reason for this classification lies in their vocal anatomy: cougars possess a fully ossified hyoid bone.
This solid bone structure prevents them from roaring. Instead, cougars communicate through a diverse range of sounds, including purrs, chirps, hisses, growls, and distinctive screams or yowls, particularly during mating season. As the largest wild cat in the Americas, a male cougar can reach up to 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) in length from nose to tail and weigh between 52 to 100 kilograms (115 to 220 pounds). These solitary animals are adaptable ambush predators, inhabiting a wide variety of environments across North, Central, and South America.
Members of the “Big Cat” Group
The group of “true” big cats, those belonging to the Panthera genus, consists of five species. These include the lion (Panthera leo), tiger (Panthera tigris), jaguar (Panthera onca), leopard (Panthera pardus), and snow leopard (Panthera uncia). Lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards are all capable of roaring, a sound used for territorial marking and communication across long distances.
The snow leopard is a unique member of the Panthera genus because it cannot roar, despite its genetic lineage. Instead, snow leopards produce a non-aggressive puffing sound called a “chuff” and high-pitched yowls. This distinction highlights that while the ability to roar is a common trait, genetic classification ultimately determines membership in the scientific “big cat” group.