Cats in the family Felidae are almost exclusively predators on mammals and birds (although some, like the Asian flat-headed cat and fishing cat, will eat fish, frogs, and mollusks). Most of these cats are also nocturnal predators, stalking their prey or pouncing from an ambush. These cats have fascinated humans for centuries. They are elusive and rarely seen. Yet, while humans may be intrigued by these predators, they are also the cause of their demise. Large cats are endangered all over the world from poaching and habitat loss.
The largest cats are the Siberian Tigers, which can reach almost 700 pounds. The smallest are the black-footed cats of Africa, which are only about four pounds.
The following is a list of extant species in the family Felidae. This classification scheme represents traditional phylogeny. Modern genetic studies have grouped several genera together. However, that taxonomic scheme is not represented here.
Genus Felis
Genus Otocolobus
Genus Prionailurus
Genus Acinonyx
Genus Puma
Genus Leopardus
Genus Leptailurus
Genus Caracal
Genus Profelis
Genus Catopuma
Genus Pardofelis
Genus Neofelis
Genus Panthera