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Top Ten: Big Cat Facts
They can accelerate from 0 to 70mph in just three seconds and cure all sorts of human ailments. Find out more about lions, tigers and other big cats...
Big Cat Fact #1
The term 'big cats' is used to differentiate larger wild cats from their smaller cousins. Some define big cats as species categorised under the genus Panthera - the lion, tiger, leopard and jaguar. However, some researchers also include the cheetah, snow leopard, clouded leopard and cougar under the 'big cats' banner.
Big Cat Fact #2
Cats can either roar or purr but they can't do both. The four main big cats – the lion, tiger, leopard and jaguar – have specially adapted larynxes which enable them to roar (but they cannot purr); the lion has the longest larynx, which means it can produce the loudest roar. Cats that can't roar are always able to purr.
Big Cat Fact #3
The tiger is the largest feline species in the world. Male tigers tend to weigh in at a hefty 200-320kg (440-770lb) while females tip the scales at between 120-181 kg (265-400lb). Around 80% of the tiger population is made up of the sub-species the Bengal tiger.
Big Cat Fact #4
The tiger is seen as essential to some cultures for its health giving properties. Chinese medicine practitioners believe that tigers' tails ground down with soap make a paste that treats skin cancer. The poor old tiger's penis isn't left out either - it's said to be an aphrodisiac. Not such an aphrodisiac for the poor old tiger once it's been removed!
Big Cat Fact #5
The cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world. It can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. It's capable of accelerating from 0-70mph in just three seconds!
Big Cat Fact #6
The largest big cat in the world - the magnificent Siberian tiger - weighs the same as one hundred domesticated moggies!
Big Cat Fact #7
The lion is the only big cat that lives in a large group or 'pride'. Prides can consist of up to 40 lions and are mainly made up of female cats and young males. Once a male cat reaches maturity it tends to move away from the pride and live on its own, or in smaller groups. Other big cats, such as the cheetah, live in very small groups or alone, socialising only when they need to mate.
Big Cat Fact #8
Black panthers aren't a distinct breed of big cat - they're just jaguars with a genetic condition known as melanism, which makes them completely black.
Big Cat Fact #9
The leopard is a particularly strong member of the big cat family. They can drag carcasses that weigh three times their body weight for long distances. Leopards are also accomplished climbers and frequently watch for prey while lazing about in trees.
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