Despite common assumptions, a hyena is not a cat. These animals belong to their own distinct biological classification, separate from both felines and canines.
Not a Cat, Not a Dog
The common confusion surrounding hyenas stems from their superficial resemblances to both cats and dogs. Some people might associate them with felines due to certain grooming habits or their rough tongues. More frequently, hyenas are mistaken for canines because of their physical build, their tendency to hunt in packs, and their endurance in chases. However, these similarities are a result of convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits to adapt to comparable ecological roles. Despite these shared characteristics, hyenas are not members of the Felidae (cat) family nor the Canidae (dog) family.
The Hyaenidae Family
Hyenas occupy a unique position within the animal kingdom, belonging to their own distinct family, Hyaenidae. This family is part of the order Carnivora, which includes all meat-eating mammals. Within Carnivora, hyenas are classified under the suborder Feliformia, also known as the “cat-like” carnivores. This places them genetically closer to cats, mongooses, and civets than to dogs, wolves, or bears, which belong to the Caniformia suborder. The Hyaenidae family originated approximately 25 million years ago, diverging significantly from other carnivore lineages.
Distinguishing Features
Hyenas possess biological and behavioral traits that set them apart from both felines and canines. Physically, they have powerful jaws and robust teeth, particularly bone-crushing premolars, which allow them to consume entire carcasses, including bones. This jaw strength is considerably different from the precision bite of big cats, which focus on slicing flesh. Hyenas also exhibit a distinctive sloping back due to their forelegs being longer than their hind legs. Unlike cats, hyenas have non-retractable, blunt claws, akin to those of canids, reflecting their cursorial (running) adaptations.
Their social structures also provide clear distinctions. Spotted hyenas live in complex, matriarchal clans that can number up to 80 individuals, with females dominating males. This social complexity is further supported by a wide range of vocalizations, including the “giggle” or “cackle,” which communicates excitement or stress, and “whoops” for long-distance communication and individual recognition. These social dynamics and communication methods are unique to the Hyaenidae family, contrasting with the less complex social structures of many feline species.
Hyena Species Diversity
The Hyaenidae family, though small in terms of extant species, showcases notable diversity. There are four living species, each with unique characteristics and habitats.
The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is the largest and most recognized, known for its powerful build, complex social clans, and distinctive vocalizations. The striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is smaller, more solitary, and identifiable by its long, shaggy fur and prominent stripes. The brown hyena (Parahyaena brunnea) is characterized by its shaggy, dark brown coat and pointed ears, primarily inhabiting arid regions of southern Africa. The smallest and most specialized member is the aardwolf (Proteles cristata), which primarily feeds on insects, particularly termites, rather than large prey. The aardwolf resembles a smaller striped hyena but possesses a more slender muzzle and reduced teeth adapted for its insectivorous diet.