Bobcats, so named for their short, clipped tails, are the most common large cats native to North America. These feisty animals are similar in appearance to house cats, but they're not as likely to meow and purr if you reach out your hand to pet one. See more »

Unlike "dog people" who appreciate the obedience and faithfulness of man's best friend, "cat people" appreciate a feline's independent nature. Hints of their wild relatives seep through in their playful "hunting" behavior and general sass. But like any good owner knows, cats require at least some degree of pampering. See more »

The lynx is a solitary animal and spends most of its time alone (except during breeding season). Medium-sized cats with long tufted ears and short bobbed tails, lynxes have the largest range of the entire cat family. See more »

When cats go swimming, is it still considered doggy paddling? Tigers might not be invited to your next pool party, but they sure do love taking a dip. See more »

Bobcat, or Bay Lynx, a member of the cat family found in forested, swampy, or semiarid regions of North America from southern Canada to central Mexico. See more »

Caracal, a species of lynx native to Africa and the warmer parts of Asia. It is reddish-brown with white underparts, and its ears are tufted with long black hairs. See more »

Cat, a meat-eating animal. The cat family includes not only the domestic cat, but also the tiger, lion, leopard, lynx, bobcat, and many others. See more »

Cheetah, or Hunting Leopard, an animal of the cat family. Once abundant from Israel eastwards through northern India, the cheetah is now found in the wild only in isolated areas of the Middle East and adjacent regions to the north and south. See more »

Cougar, a large cat found in various parts of North and South America. In the United States, cougars are found mainly in southern Florida, along the Mexican border of Texas, and west of the Rockies. See more »

Jaguar, the largest cat of the Western Hemisphere. It resembles the leopard, but is larger and has a somewhat shorter tail. See more »