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{{Taxobox
| name = Felids<ref name=MSW3>{{MSW3 Wozencraft|pages=532–548|id=14000003}}</ref>
| fossil_range = {{Fossil range|25|0}}Late [[Oligocene]] to Recent
| image = Tiger-zoologie.de0001 22.JPG
| image_caption = [[Tiger]] (''Panthera tigris'')
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| phylum = [[chordate|Chordata]]
| classis = [[Mammal]]ia
| ordo = [[Carnivora]]
| subordo = [[Feliformia]]
| familia = '''Felidae'''
| familia_authority = [[Johann Fischer von Waldheim|G. Fischer de Waldheim]], 1817
| subdivision_ranks = Subfamilies
| subdivision =
[[Felinae]]<br />
[[Pantherinae]]<br />
†[[Machairodontinae]]<br />
†[[Proailurus|Proailurinae]]<ref name="McKenna & Bell">{{cite book |last=McKenna |first=Malcolm C. |coauthors=Susan K. Bell |title=Classification of Mammals |date=2000-02-15 |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-11013-6 |pages=631}}</ref>
|range_map=Felidae range.png
|range_map_caption=Felidae ranges
}}

'''Felidae''' is the [[Biology|biological]] family of the '''cats'''; a member of this family is called a '''felid'''. The most familiar felid is the domestic [[cat]], which first became associated with humans about 10,000 years ago; but the family includes all other wild cats, including the [[big cat]]s.

Extant felids belong to one of two subfamilies: [[Pantherinae]] (which includes the [[tiger]], the [[lion]], the [[jaguar]], and the [[leopard]]), and [[Felinae]] (which includes the [[cougar]], the [[cheetah]], the [[lynx]]es, the [[ocelot]], and the domestic cat).

The first felids emerged during the [[Oligocene]], about 25 million years ago. In [[prehistoric]] times, a third subfamily, known as [[Machairodontinae]], included the "[[saber-toothed cats]]", such as the well known ''[[Smilodon]]''. Other superficially cat-like mammals, such as the marsupial sabertooth ''[[Thylacosmilus]]'' or the [[Nimravidae]], are not included in Felidae despite [[convergent evolution|superficial similarities]].

Felids are the strictest [[carnivore]]s of the 13 terrestrial families in the [[order (biology)|order]] [[Carnivora]], although the three families of marine mammals comprising the superfamily [[Pinniped]]ia are as carnivorous as the felids.

==Evolution==
There are 41 known species of felids in the world today, all of which descended from the same ancestor.<ref name=MSW3/> This [[taxon]] originated in Asia and spread across [[continent]]s by crossing [[land bridge]]s. <!--As reported in the journal ''[[Science (journal)|Science]]'', t-->Testing of [[mitochondrial DNA|mitochondrial]] and [[nuclear DNA]] by Warren Johnson and Stephen O'Brien of the US [[National Cancer Institute]] demonstrated the ancient cats evolved into eight main lineages that diverged in the course of at least 10 migrations (in both directions) from continent to continent via the [[Bering land bridge]] and [[Isthmus of Panama]], with the ''[[Panthera]]'' genus being the oldest and the ''[[Felis]]'' genus being the youngest. They estimated 60% of the modern species of cats developed within the last million years.<ref name =Mott>{{cite web| last = Mott| first = Maryann| title = Cats Climb New family Tree| publisher = National Geographic News| date = 2006-01-11| url = http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/01/0111_060111_cat_evolution.html| accessdate = 2006-07-15}}</ref>

Most felids have a [[haploid]] number of 18 or 19. New World cats (those in Central and South America) have a haploid number of 18, possibly due to the combination of two smaller [[chromosome]]s into a larger one.<ref name = robinson>{{cite book| last = Vella | first = Carolyn| authorlink = | coauthors = ''et al.'' | title = Robinson's Genetics for Cat Breeders and Veterinarians, 4th ed.| publisher = Butterworh-Heinemann | year = 2002 | location = Oxford| isbn = 0-7506-4069-3 }}</ref> Prior to this discovery, biologists had been largely unable to establish a family tree of cats from the [[fossil]] record because the fossils of different cat species all look very much alike, differing primarily in size.

The felids' closest relatives are thought to be the [[Prionodon|Asiatic linsang]]s,<ref>{{cite journal | author = Eizirik E., Murphy W.J., Koepfli K.P., Johnson W.E., Dragoo J.W., O'Brien S.J. | year = 2010 | title = Pattern and timing of the diversification of the mammalian order Carnivora inferred from multiple nuclear gene sequences | url = | journal = Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution | volume = 56 | issue = | pages = 49–63 | doi = 10.1016/j.ympev.2010.01.033 }}</ref> and at one remove the group of [[civet]]s, [[hyena]]s, [[mongoose]]s, and [[Eupleridae|Madagascar carnivores]],<ref>{{cite journal | author = Gaubert P., Veron G. | year = 2003 | title = Exhaustive sample set among Viverridae reveals the sister-group of felids: the linsangs as a case of extreme morphological convergence within Feliformia | url = | journal = Proceedings of the Royal Society, Series B | volume = 270 | issue = 1532| pages = 2523–30 | doi = 10.1098/rspb.2003.2521 | pmid=14667345 | pmc=1691530}}</ref> with whom they share the Suborder [[Feliformia]]. Most felid species share a genetic anomaly that prevents them from tasting sweetness.<ref name =PLOS>{{cite journal |last=Xia |first=Li |coauthors=Weihua Li, Hong Wang, Jie Cao, Kenji Maehashi, Liquan Huang, Alexander A. Bachmanov, Danielle R. Reed, Véronique Legrand-Defretin, Gary K. Beauchamp and Joseph G. Brand |year=2005 |month=July |title=Pseudogenization of a Sweet-Receptor Gene Accounts for Cats' Indifference toward Sugar |journal=[[Public Library of Science]] |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages= e3|doi=10.1371/journal.pgen.0010003 |url=http://www.plosgenetics.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pgen.0010003 |accessdate=2008-06-30 |quote= |pmid=16103917 |pmc=1183522 }}</ref>

==Characteristics==
Felids are [[obligate carnivores]], requiring a diet of meat and organs to survive. Aside from the [[lion]], wild felids are generally solitary; [[feral]] domestic cats do, however, form [[feral cat colony|feral cat colonies]]. Cheetahs are also known to live and hunt in groups. Felids are generally secretive animals, are often nocturnal, and live in relatively inaccessible habitats. Around three-quarters of cat species live in [[forest]]ed terrain, and they are generally agile climbers. However, felids may be found in almost any environment, with some species being native to [[mountain]]ous terrain or [[desert]]s.

Wild felids are native to every continent except [[Australasia]] and [[Antarctica]].

===Physical appearance===
[[Image:Smilodon01.jpg|thumb|Skull of the machairodontine ''[[Smilodon]]'' (reconstruction)]]
[[Image:Panthera leo Kruger Skull.jpg|thumb|Lion skull]]
Felids tend to have lithe and flexible bodies with muscular limbs. In the great majority of species, the tail is between a third and a half the length of the body, although there are some exceptions (for example, the [[bobcat]] and [[margay]]). The limbs are [[digitigrade]] with soft toe pads and protractible claws. Compared with most other mammals, the head of cats is highly domed with a short muzzle. The skull possesses wide [[zygomatic arch]]es and a large [[sagittal crest]], both of which allow for the attachment of strong jaw muscles.<ref name=WCoW/>

The various species of felids vary greatly in size. One of the smallest is the [[black-footed cat]], measuring {{convert|35|to|40|cm|in|abbr=on}} long, while the largest in the wild is the [[tiger]], which can attain up to {{convert|350|cm|ft|abbr=on}} in length<ref name="der-tiger">Vratislav Mazak: ''Der Tiger''. Nachdruck der 3. Auflage von 1983. Westarp Wissenschaften Hohenwarsleben, 2004 ISBN 3-89432-759-6</ref> and weigh {{convert|300|kg|lb}}.

The [[fur]] of felids takes many different forms, being much thicker in those species living in cold environments, such as the [[snow leopard]]. The color of felids is also highly variable—although brown to golden fur is common in most species—usually marked with distinctive spots, stripes, or rosettes. The only felids to lack significant markings are the lion, [[Cougar|puma]], [[caracal]] and [[jaguarundi]]. Many species exhibit [[melanism]], in which some individuals have an all-black coat.<ref name=WCoW/> All felids have a "tear stripe", a black stripe running from the corner of each eye down the side of the [[snout|muzzle]].<ref>Cats of Africa, Maitland Edey, Time-Life Books, New York, 1968, p.25</ref>

The [[tongue]] of felids is covered with horny [[Filiform papilla|papillae]], which rasp meat from prey and aid in grooming.

All felids have [[Protraction|protractible]] claws, in other words they have the ability to protract their claws from a retracted, at-rest position. Although in a few species, such as the [[cheetah]], the claws remain visible even when at rest (retracted). The claws are retracted when the animal is relaxed and protracted when they are in use. They are attached to the terminal [[phalanges|bone of the toe]] with a tough [[ligament]]; when the animal contracts muscles in the toe to straighten it, the ligament forces the claw outwards.<ref name=WCoW>{{cite book|author=Sunquist, Mel|author2=Sunquist, Fiona|year=2002|title= Wild cats of the World |publisher=University of Chicago Press |location= Chicago |pages= 5–16|isbn= 0-226-77999-8}}</ref> 
Cats have five toes on their forefeet and four on their hindfeet, reflecting their reliance on gripping and holding down their prey with their claws.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} In Felidae, the [[baculum]] is shorter than in [[Canidae]].<ref name="Ewer1973">{{cite book|author=R. F. Ewer|title=The Carnivores|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=IETMd3-lSlkC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=feloidea%20penis&f=false|accessdate=27 January 2013|year=1973|publisher=Cornell University Press|isbn=978-0-8014-8493-3}}</ref>

===Senses===
Felids have relatively large eyes, situated to provide [[binocular vision]]. Their night vision is especially good due to the presence of a [[tapetum lucidum]], which reflects light back inside the eyeball, and gives felid eyes their distinctive shine. As a result, the eyes of felids are about six times more light sensitive than those of humans, and many species are at least partially [[nocturnal]]. The [[retina]] of felids also contains a relatively high proportion of [[rod cell]]s, adapted for distinguishing moving objects in conditions of dim light, which are complemented by the presence of [[cone cells]] for sensing color during the day. However, felids appear to have relatively poor color vision in comparison with humans.<ref name=WCoW/> This is explained by the fact that felids see moving objects more "colorfully" than still objects, but in an intact environment, are unable to distinguish color tones alone (like [[turquoise (color)|turquoise]] compared to [[teal]], for example).{{cn|date=May 2012}}

The [[pinna (anatomy)|external ears]] of felids are also large, and especially sensitive to high-frequency sounds in the smaller cats. This sensitivity allows them to locate small [[rodent]] prey; cats themselves do not apparently produce such sounds.<ref name=WCoW/>

Felids also have a highly developed sense of smell, although not to the degree seen in [[canidae|canids]]; this is further supplemented by the presence of a [[vomeronasal organ]] in the roof of the mouth, allowing the animal to "taste" the air. The use of this organ is associated with the [[Flehmen response]], in which the upper lip is curled upwards. Most felids are unable to taste sweetness due to a mutated gene in their taste buds. Exceptions include members of the genera ''[[Leopardus]]'' and ''[[Otocolobus]]''.{{cn|date=May 2012}}

Felids possess highly sensitive [[whiskers]] set deep within the skin, which provide the cat with sensory information about the slightest air movement around it. For this reason, whiskers are very helpful to nocturnal hunters.

Most felids are able to land on their feet after a fall, an ability that relies on vision and the [[equilibrioception|sense of balance]] acting together.{{cn|date=May 2012}}

===Dentition===
Felids have a relatively small number of teeth compared with other carnivorans, a feature associated with their short muzzles. With a few exceptions, such as the [[lynx]], they have the [[dentition|dental formula]]: {{DentalFormula|upper=3.1.3.1|lower=3.1.2.1}}. The [[canine tooth|canine teeth]] are large, reaching exceptional size in the extinct [[saber-tooth cat|saber-tooth]] species. The upper third premolar and lower molar are adapted as [[carnassial]] teeth, suited to tearing and cutting flesh.<ref name=WCoW/>

The jaws of felids can only move vertically. This prevents them from being able to [[mastication|chew]], but makes it easier for their powerful [[masseter muscle|masseter]] jaw muscles to hold struggling prey.

===Vocalisations===
All felids share a broadly similar set of vocalisations, but with some variation between species. In particular, the pitch of calls varies, with larger species producing deeper sounds; overall, the frequency of felid calls ranges between 50 and 10,000 hertz.

All felids are able to spit, hiss, [[growling|growl]], snarl, and mew. The first four sounds are all used in an aggressive context. The spitting sound is a sudden burst, typically used when making threats, especially towards other species. The hiss is a prolonged, atonal sound used in close range to other members of the species, when the animal is uncertain whether to attack or retreat. Growling is used to indicate a willingness to attack, while the higher-pitched snarl is used when adopting a defensive posture.

The mewing sound may be used either as a close-contact call, typically between a mother and kittens, or as a louder, longer distance call, primarily during the mating season. The acoustic properties of the mew vary somewhat between different felid species; extreme examples include the whistling sound made by cougars and the mew-grunt of lions and tigers.

Most felids seem to be able to [[purr]], vibrating the muscles in their [[larynx]] to produce a distinctive buzzing sound. In the wild, purring is used while a mother is caring for kittens. Precisely which species of felid are able to purr is a matter of debate, but the sound has been recorded in most of the smaller species, as well as the cheetah and cougar, and may also be found in the [[big cat]]s.

Other common felid vocalisations include the gurgle, wah-wah, [[prusten]], and [[roar (utterance)|roar]]. The first two sounds are found only among the Felinae (small cats). Gurgling is a quiet sound used during meetings between friendly individuals, as well as during courtship and when nursing kittens. The wah-wah is a short, deep-sounding call used in close contact, and is not found in all species (it is, for example, absent in the domestic cat).

In contrast, prusten and roaring are found only in big cats. Prusten is a short, soft, snorting sound reported in tigers, jaguars, snow leopards, and clouded leopards; it is used during contact between friendly individuals. The roar is an especially loud call with a distinctive pattern that depends on the species. The ability to roar  comes from an elongated and specially adapted [[larynx]] and [[hyoid bone|hyoid apparatus]].<ref>{{cite journal | last = Weissengruber | first = GE | coauthors = G Forstenpointner, G Peters, A Kübber-Heiss, and WT Fitch | title = Hyoid apparatus and pharynx in the lion (Panthera leo), jaguar (Panthera onca), tiger (Panthera tigris), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and the Indian Armadillo. (Felis silvestris f. catus) | journal = Journal of Anatomy | publisher = Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland | pages=195–209 | volume=201|issue=3 | year =2002 |month=September| doi =10.1046/j.1469-7580.2002.00088.x | pmc=1570911 | pmid=12363272}}</ref>  When air passes through the larynx on the way from the lungs, the cartilage walls of the larynx vibrate, producing sound.  Only lions, leopards, tigers and jaguars are truly able to roar, although the loudest mews of snow leopards have a similar, if less structured, sound.<ref name=WCoW/>   Tigers and jaguars have a very snarly roar, while the roar of leopards and lions is much more throaty.{{citation needed|date=February 2011}}

==Classification==

Traditionally, five subfamilies have been distinguished within family Felidae based on phenotypical features: the [[Felinae]], the [[Pantherinae]], the [[Acinonychinae]] (cheetahs), the extinct [[Machairodontinae]], and the extinct [[Proailurinae]].<ref name="McKenna & Bell" />

===Genetic classification===
Genetic research has provided a basis for a more concise classification for the living members of the cat family based on genotypical groupings.<ref name=MSW3/><ref>{{cite journal |author=Johnson WE, Eizirik E, Pecon-Slattery J, ''et al.'' |title=The late Miocene radiation of modern Felidae: a genetic assessment |journal=Science |volume=311 |issue=5757 |pages=73–7 |year=2006 |month=January |pmid=16400146 |doi=10.1126/science.1122277 |url=}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=O'Brien SJ, Johnson WE |title=Big cat genomics |journal=Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet |volume=6 |issue= 1|pages=407–29 |year=2005 |pmid=16124868 |doi=10.1146/annurev.genom.6.080604.162151 |url=}}</ref> Specifically, eight genetic lineages have been identified:<ref>Johnson, W. E.; & O'Brien S. J. (1997). Phylogenetic reconstruction of the Felidae using 16S rRNA and NADH-5 mitochondrial genes. J Mol Evol (1997) 44: S98-116. Retrieved on 2009-11-08 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9071018?dopt=Abstract.</ref>

*Lineage 1: ''[[Panthera]]'', ''[[Snow Leopard|Uncia]]'', ''[[Neofelis]]''
*Lineage 2: ''[[Pardofelis]]'', ''[[Catopuma]]''
*Lineage 3: ''[[Leptailurus]]'', ''[[Caracal]]'', ''[[Profelis]]''
*Lineage 4: ''[[Leopardus]]''
*Lineage 5: ''[[Lynx]]''
*Lineage 6: ''[[Puma (genus)|Puma]]'', ''[[Acinonyx]]''
*Lineage 7: ''[[Prionailurus]]'', ''[[Otocolobus]]''
*Lineage 8: ''[[Felis]]''

The last four lineages are more related to each other than to any of the first four, and so form a [[clade]] within the Felinae subfamily of family Felidae.

===Extant species===
[[Image:HansomeLion 002.jpg|thumb|[[Lion]]]]
[[Image:Cheetah4.jpg|thumb|[[Cheetah]]]] 
[[Image:Standing jaguar.jpg|thumb|[[Jaguar]]]]
[[Image:LuchsP1050413.jpg|thumb|[[Eurasian lynx]]]]
[[Image:Margaykat Leopardus wiedii.jpg|thumb|[[Margay]]]]
[[Image:Wildkatze.jpg|thumb|[[Wildcat]]]]

The following is the complete list of genera within family Felidae, grouped according to the traditional phenotypical classification with the corresponding genotypical lineages indicated:

* Family '''Felidae'''<ref name=MSW3/>
** Subfamily [[Pantherinae]]
*** Genus ''[[Panthera]]'' [Lineage 1]
**** [[Lion]] (''Panthera leo'')
**** [[Jaguar]] (''Panthera onca'')
**** [[Leopard]] (''Panthera pardus'')
**** [[Tiger]] (''Panthera tigris'')
*** Genus ''[[Uncia (genus)|Uncia]]'' [Lineage 1]
**** [[Snow leopard]] (''Uncia uncia'')
*** Genus ''[[Neofelis]]'' [Lineage 1]
**** [[Clouded leopard]] (''Neofelis nebulosa'')
**** [[Sunda clouded leopard]] (''Neofelis diardi'')
** Subfamily [[Felinae]]
*** Genus ''[[Pardofelis]]'' [Lineage 2]
**** [[Marbled cat]] (''[[Pardofelis marmorata]]'')
*** Genus ''[[Catopuma]]'' [Lineage 2]
**** [[Bay cat]] (''[[Catopuma badia]]'')
**** [[Asian golden cat]] (''Catopuma temminckii'')
*** Genus ''[[Leptailurus]]'' [Lineage 3]
**** [[Serval]] (''Leptailurus serval'')
*** Genus ''[[Caracal]]'' [Lineage 3]
**** [[Caracal]] (''Caracal caracal'')
*** Genus ''[[Profelis]]'' [Lineage 3]
**** [[African golden cat]] (''Profelis aurata'')
*** Genus ''[[Leopardus]]'' [Lineage 4]
**** [[Pantanal cat]] (''Leopardus braccatus'')
**** [[Colocolo]] (''Leopardus colocolo'')
**** [[Geoffroy's cat]] (''Leopardus geoffroyi'')
**** [[Kodkod]] (''Leopardus guigna'')
**** [[Andean mountain cat]] (''Leopardus jacobitus'')
**** [[Pampas cat]] (''Leopardus pajeros'')
**** [[Ocelot]] (''Leopardus pardalis'')
**** [[Oncilla]] (''Leopardus tigrinus'')
**** [[Margay]] (''Leopardus wiedii'')
*** Genus ''[[Lynx]]'' [Lineage 5]
**** [[Canadian lynx]] (''Lynx canadensis'')
**** [[Eurasian lynx]] (''Lynx lynx'')
**** [[Iberian lynx]] (''Lynx pardinus'')
**** [[Bobcat]] (''Lynx rufus'')
*** Genus ''[[Puma (genus)|Puma]]'' [Lineage 6]
**** [[Cougar]] (''Puma concolor'')
**** [[Jaguarundi]] (''Puma yagouaroundi'')
*** Genus ''[[Acinonyx]]''<ref>http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=14000003</ref>[Lineage 6]
**** [[Cheetah]] (''Acinonyx jubatus'')
*** Genus ''[[Prionailurus]]'' [Lineage 7]
**** [[Leopard cat]] (''Prionailurus bengalensis'')
***** [[Iriomote cat]] (''Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis'')
**** [[Flat-headed cat]] (''Prionailurus planiceps'')
**** [[Rusty-spotted cat]] (''Prionailurus rubiginosus'')
**** [[Fishing cat]] (''Prionailurus viverrinus'')
*** Genus ''[[Otocolobus]]'' [Lineage 7]
**** [[Pallas's cat]] (''Otocolobus manul'')
*** Genus ''[[Felis]]'' [Lineage 8]
**** [[Chinese mountain cat]] (''Felis bieti'')
**** [[cat|Domestic cat]] (''Felis catus'')
**** [[Jungle cat]] (''Felis chaus'')
**** [[Sand cat]] (''Felis margarita'')
**** [[Black-footed cat]] (''Felis nigripes'')
**** [[Wildcat]] (''Felis silvestris'')

==Fossil felids==
[[Image:Panthera leo atrox Sergiodlarosa.jpg|thumb|The [[American lion]] was one of the abundant [[Pleistocene megafauna]], a wide variety of very large mammals that went extinct about 10,000 years ago.<ref>[http://www.museum.state.il.us/exhibits/larson/ice_age_animals.html# Ice Age Animals], Illinois State Museum</ref>]]
Possibly the oldest known true felid (''[[Proailurus]]'') lived in the late [[Oligocene]] and early [[Miocene]] epochs. During the Miocene, it gave way to ''[[Pseudaelurus]]''. ''Pseudaelurus'' is believed to be the [[latest common ancestor]] of the two extant subfamilies and the extinct subfamily, [[Machairodontinae]]. This group, better known as the saber-tooth cats, became extinct in the Late [[Pleistocene]] era. The group includes the genera ''[[Smilodon]]'', ''[[Machairodus]]'' and ''[[Homotherium]]''. The [[Metailurini]] were originally classified as a distinct tribe within the Machairodontinae, though they count as members of the Felinae in recent times.<ref name="Fossils explained 52">{{cite journal |last=van den Hoek Ostende |first=Lars W. |coauthors=Michael Morlo and Doris Nagel |title=Fossils explained 52 Majestic killers: the sabre-toothed cats |volume=22 |issue=4 |month=July |year=2006 |pages=150–157 |url=http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/gday/2006/00000022/00000004/art00006;jsessionid=pajs4k97owon.alexandra |accessdate=2008-06-30 |journal=Geology Today |doi=10.1111/j.1365-2451.2006.00572.x}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Turner |first=Alan |date=1997-04-15 |title= The Big Cats and their fossil relatives |publisher=Columbia University Press |location=New York |pages=60 |isbn=978-0-231-10228-5}}</ref> Most extinct cat-like animals, once regarded as members of the Felidae, later turned out to be members of related, but distinct, families: the "false sabretooths" [[Nimravidae]] and [[Barbourofelidae]]. As a result, sabretooth "cats" seem to belong to four different lineages. The total number of fossil felids known to science is low compared to other carnivoran families, such as [[dog]]s and [[bear]]s. Felidae radiated quite recently and most of the extant species are relatively young.

==Genera of the Felidae==
The list follows McKenna and Bell's ''Classification of Mammals'' for prehistoric genera (1997)<ref name="McKenna & Bell"/> and Wozencraft (2005) in Wilson and Reeder's ''[[Mammal Species of the World]]'' for extant genera.<ref name=MSW3/> ''Pseudaelurus'' is included in the Felinae as per McKenna & Bell, despite its basal position in felid evolution. Inconsistent with McKenna and Bell, three additional prehistoric genera, ''[[Miracinonyx]]'', ''[[Lokontailurus]]'' and ''[[Xenosmilus]]'', are listed. ''[[Sivapanthera]]'' is included in the Felinae (not Acinonychinae) and ''[[Ischrosmilus]]'' is included in the genus ''[[Smilodon]]''.

<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Proailurus.jpg|thumb|''[[Proailurus]]'']] -->
[[Image:Bengalkatze.jpg|thumb|[[Leopard cat]] (''[[Prionailurus]]'')]]
[[Image:Ocelot.jpg|thumb|[[Ocelot]] (''[[Leopardus]]'')]]
[[Image:Megantereon cultridens.jpg|thumb|''[[Megantereon]]'']]

*†'''Proailurinae'''
**†''[[Proailurus]]''
*'''Felinae'''
**†''[[Pseudaelurus]]''
**†''[[Sivaelurus]]''
**†''[[Vishnufelis]]''
**†''[[Pikermia]]''
**†''[[Abelia (animal)|Abelia]]''
**†''[[Nimravides]]''
**†''[[Pratifelis]]''
**†''[[Adelphailurus]]''
**†''[[Metailurus]]''
**†''[[Dinofelis]]''
**†''[[Dolichofelis]]''
**†''[[Sivapardus]]''
**†''[[Jansofelis]]''
**†''[[Sivapanthera]]''
**''[[Acinonyx]]''
**†''[[Miracinonyx]]''
**''[[Puma (genus)|Puma]]''
**''[[Felis]]''
**''[[Prionailurus]]''
**''[[Lynx]]''
**''[[Leopardus]]''
**''[[Leptailurus]]''
**''[[Caracal]]''
**''[[Profelis]]''
**''[[Catopuma]]''
**''[[Pardofelis]]''
*'''[[Pantherinae]]'''
**†''[[Leontoceryx]]''
**†''[[Dromopanthera]]''
**†''[[Schaubia]]''
**†''[[Panthera schaubi|Viretailurus]]''
**''[[Panthera]]''
**''[[Neofelis]]''
**''[[Uncia (genus)|Uncia]]''
*†'''Machairodontinae'''
**†''[[Machairodus]]'' (Late Miocene, Africa, Eurasia, North America)
**†''[[Homotherium]]'' (Pliocene, Pleistocene; Africa, Eurasia, North America)
**†''[[Xenosmilus]]'' (Pleistocene; North America)
**†''[[Lokotunjailurus]]'' (Latest Miocene; Africa)
**†''[[Miomachairodus]]'' (Middle Miocene; Africa, Asia)
**†''[[Hemimachairodus]]''
**†''[[Paramachairodus]]'' (Late Miocene; Eurasia, Africa)
**†''[[Megantereon]]'' (Pliocene, Pleistocene; North America, Africa, Eurasia)
**†''[[Smilodon]]'' (Late Pliocene to Late Pleistocene; North- and South America)

==See also==
*[[Felid hybrid]]
*[[Panthera hybrid]]
*[[Big cat]]

==Cited references==
{{reflist}}

==General references==
* {{cite web| last = Shoemaker| first = Alan | title = 1996 Taxonomic and Legal Status of the Felidae| publisher = Felid Taxonomic Advisory Group of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association| year = 1996| url = http://www.csew.com/felidtag/pages/Reports/taxon_legal.htm| accessdate = 2006-07-15 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060612201608/http://csew.com/felidtag/pages/Reports/taxon_legal.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2006-06-12}}
* {{cite book | author = Turner, A. | title = The big cats and their fossil relatives | publisher = Columbia University Press | year = 1997 | isbn = 0-231-10229-1}}
* {{cite book | editor = Macdonald, D. | author = Kirby, G. | chapter = Cat family | title = The Encyclopedia of Mammals | year = 1984 | publisher = Facts on File | isbn = 0-87196-871-1}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Felidae}}
{{wikispecies|Felidae}}
* {{eol|7674}}

{{Carnivora|Fe.}}

[[Category:Felids| ]]


{{Project Mammal Families}}
{{Project Mammal Taxonomy}}