What are cats and tigers called? - briefly
Cats and tigers are both members of the Felidae family, commonly referred to as felines.
What are cats and tigers called? - in detail
Cats and tigers belong to the biological family Felidae, which encompasses all species of felines. Cats, specifically domestic cats (Felis catus), are small, carnivorous mammals that have been domesticated by humans for thousands of years. They are known for their agility, retractable claws, and keen senses, particularly their night vision. Domestic cats are often kept as pets and are valued for their companionship and ability to control pests like rodents.
Tigers (Panthera tigris), on the other hand, are the largest members of the Felidae family and are native to Asia. They are apex predators, characterized by their distinctive orange coats with black stripes, muscular build, and powerful jaws. Tigers are solitary animals and are known for their strength and hunting prowess. They primarily inhabit forests, grasslands, and mangroves, and are currently classified as endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
Both cats and tigers share common traits such as sharp retractable claws, keen senses, and a carnivorous diet. However, their sizes, habitats, and behaviors differ significantly. While domestic cats are small and adaptable to human environments, tigers are large, wild animals that require vast territories to roam and hunt. Despite these differences, both species are integral to the ecosystem, with cats often controlling small animal populations and tigers maintaining the balance of larger prey species in their habitats.