Big cats captivate with their impressive presence and powerful vocalizations. Many people assume all large felines can produce a thunderous roar. This common perception, however, overlooks a surprising exception within the feline family. While some big cats are known for their resonant calls, one prominent species communicates through a different range of sounds, challenging the widespread notion of what constitutes a “big cat” vocal repertoire.
The Big Cat That Doesn’t Roar
The cheetah, scientifically known as Acinonyx jubatus, stands out among large felines for its inability to roar. Despite its substantial size, the cheetah is classified within the subfamily Felinae, alongside smaller domestic cats, rather than the Pantherinae subfamily that includes roaring species. This unique vocal characteristic is accompanied by other distinctions, such as its semi-retractable claws, which provide grip during high-speed chases. The cheetah’s unique biological makeup dictates its vocal abilities, setting it apart from its roaring relatives.
The Science Behind the Roar
The ability to roar or purr in felines is determined by the structure of the hyoid bone, a U-shaped bone in the throat. In cats that can roar, such as lions and tigers, the hyoid bone is not fully hardened; instead, it incorporates a flexible, elastic ligament that connects it to the skull. This flexible structure allows the larynx to stretch and produce the deep, low-frequency sounds characteristic of a roar.
Conversely, cats that cannot roar, including the cheetah and domestic cats, possess a fully ossified hyoid apparatus. This rigid structure restricts the larynx’s movement, preventing the production of a true roar. Additionally, the vocal folds of roaring cats are typically flat and square-shaped, containing fatty tissue that enables them to produce loud sounds with less lung pressure. This anatomical difference explains why roaring and continuous purring are generally mutually exclusive in the cat family.
Sounds of the Silent Hunter
While the cheetah cannot roar, it possesses a diverse array of vocalizations. Cheetahs frequently produce high-pitched chirps, often used by mothers to locate their cubs or by cubs signaling their position. These bird-like sounds can carry over significant distances, aiding in family group cohesion across open landscapes.
Beyond chirps, cheetahs also purr, a sound commonly associated with contentment. They communicate alarm or aggression through growls and hisses, which serve as warnings. Other vocalizations include meows, yelps, and stuttering sounds, especially during mating periods.
Other Roaring Big Cats
The ability to roar is a characteristic shared by members of the Panthera genus: the lion, tiger, leopard, and jaguar. These four species all share the specialized anatomical features necessary for roaring, including a partially ossified hyoid bone with an elastic ligament. Their vocal cords are structured to produce powerful, low-frequency sounds that can travel long distances, serving purposes such as territorial marking and communication.
The lion’s roar, for instance, can reach up to 114 decibels and be heard from several miles away, demonstrating the effectiveness of this vocal adaptation. This contrasts sharply with the cheetah’s vocal repertoire, highlighting the distinct evolutionary paths within the Felidae family.