What orders of cats are there? - briefly
There are two main orders of cats: Carnivora (which includes all domestic cats) and Cetartiodactyla (which contains extinct species like the saber-toothed cat).
What orders of cats are there? - in detail
The order Feliformia, commonly known as the cat-like mammals, is one of the two major groups within the feliform suborder of Carnivora. This group includes some of the most iconic and well-known species in the animal kingdom. Here's a detailed look into the various orders within Feliformia:
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Felidae: The family Felidae is perhaps the most recognizable group within Feliformia, encompassing the true cats. These animals are known for their retractable claws and carnivorous diets. The family is further divided into several subfamilies:
- Pantherinae: This subfamily includes the big cats such as lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars. They are characterized by their ability to roar, a feature not present in smaller cat species.
- Felinae: This subfamily comprises smaller cats like domestic cats, cheetahs, ocelots, and lynxes. Unlike the Pantherinae, these cats cannot roar but can purr.
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Viverridae: The civets and genets make up this family, which includes about 34 species. These animals are known for their long tails and distinctive scent glands that they use for marking territory. They have a varied diet, including insects, small mammals, and fruits.
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Herpestidae: This family consists of the mongooses, meerkats, and other similar species. Known for their social behavior and intelligence, these animals are skilled hunters and often live in colonies or groups.
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Hyaenidae: The hyenas are the only living members of this family. Despite being classified as cats, they have more dog-like features such as non-retractable claws and a strong, bone-crushing bite. Hyenas are known for their social structure and cooperative hunting strategies.
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Nandiniidae: This family includes the African palm civet, also known as the Nandinia binotata. It is a solitary and nocturnal animal with a diet that consists mainly of fruit.
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Eupleridae: Found primarily on Madagascar, this family includes the Malagasy carnivores such as the fossa, which is often referred to as the largest native predator on the island.
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Prionodontidae: This family consists of a single species, the Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus). Known for its distinctive scent glands and omnivorous diet, it plays an important role in seed dispersal in its native habitats.
The diversity within Feliformia is remarkable, with each family and subfamily exhibiting unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in various environments around the world. Understanding these orders provides insight into the richness of the cat-like mammals and their significant ecological roles.