The Top 10 Biggest Cats in the World
Big cats are some of the world’s largest and most powerful predators. They have captivated humans for centuries with their size and strength. There are about 37 cat species which all range in size, from small domestic cats to big cats like tigers and lions. Many big cats share similarities other than being fierce apex predators. Most are solitary and nocturnal, so they prefer to hunt at night. We have compiled a list of the top 10 biggest cats in the world according to their impressive sizes.
10. Eurasian Lynx
Weight: Up to 70 pounds
Height: 22 to 30 inches
Length: 27 to 50 inches
Location: Eurasia
The Eurasian Lynx is the largest species of lynx and the third-largest predatory cat in Europe. They are found throughout Asia and Europe where they inhabit the Himalayas’ northern slopes, all of the Tibetan Plateau, and mountains in central Asia. Eurasian Lynxes prefer areas with heavy snowfall or plenty of plant coverage to easily stalk prey.
9. Cheetah
Weight: Up to 150 pounds
Height: 26 to 37 inches
Length: 44 to 56 inches
Location: Africa
Cheetahs are large cats and the fastest land animals. They can run at an impressive 70 miles per hour in short bursts. Their appearance is easily recognizable with pale or tan fur with black spots throughout. Cheetahs have tear-shaped markings around their eyes to protect their eyes from the sun’s glare.
8. Sri Lankan Leopard
Weight: Up to 200 pounds
Height: 24 to 30 inches
Length: 40 to 55 inches
Location: Sri Lanka
Hailing from Sri Lanka’s jungles, the Sri Lankan Leopard is a large feline with a tawny-colored coat and black rosette-shaped markings. Sri Lankan Leopards are one of the nine subspecies of leopards. Male Sri Lankan Leopards are much larger than females and can weigh up to 200 pounds. Females are smaller with an average weight of 64 to 150 pounds.
7. Persian Leopard
Weight: Up to 200 pounds
Height: 20 to 27 inches
Length: 35 to 75 inches
Location: Western and Central Asia
The Persian Leopard is the largest sub-species of leopard. They are found throughout mountain ranges and forests in Western and Central Asia. Persian Leopards have grey or tawny-colored fur with large black rosette-shaped markings. Unfortunately, they are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List and it’s estimated that only one thousand adults are still left.
6. African Leopard
Weight: Up to 200 pounds
Height: 22 to 28 inches
Length: 35 to 75 inches
Location: Sub-Saharan Africa
The African Leopard is the largest leopard sub-species. They are commonly found in Southern and East Africa and inhabit grasslands and savannahs. African Leopards are solitary predators that can run up to 58 miles per hour and leap 20 feet in the air. Adult African Leopards can weigh up to 200 pounds, but females are usually 150 pounds at most.
5. Cougar
Weight: Up to 220 pounds
Height: 24 to 35 inches
Length: 80 to 94 inches
Location: Americas
Cougars are large predators found throughout the Americas. They go by other names like Panthers or Pumas. Their habitat range is extensive, consisting of rocky mountains, lowland forests, and Florida swamps. Cougars are the largest cats in North America and the third largest in the world. They live a solitary lifestyle and avoid humans as much as possible.
4. Jaguar
Weight: Up to 350 pounds
Height: 22 to 32 inches
Length: 59 to 70 inches
Location: Americas
Jaguars are the third largest felines in the world and can weigh an impressive 350 pounds. They have distinctive tan-colored coats with black markings. However, some jaguars are so dark that they don’t look like they have any spots. Unlike most felines, jaguars are strong swimmers, which is advantageous when pursuing prey in or near the water.
3. African Lion
Weight: Up to 550 pounds
Height: 44 to 50 inches
Length: 54 to 78 inches
Location: Sub-Saharan Africa
The African lion is the largest species of lion and the second-largest cat in the world. Some male African lions can weigh up to 550 pounds, while lionesses weigh between 270 to 400 pounds. Lions are social and form prides consisting of three to 40 lions. There are usually up to three male lions in a pride, with the rest being lionesses and cubs.
2. Bengal Tiger
Weight: Up to 650 pounds
Height: 34 to 45 inches
Length: 62 to 77 inches
Location: Asia
Bengal Tigers are one of the six sub-species of tiger and the second largest. They are found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh in forests and mangroves. Bengal Tigers have orange coats and dark stripes. There are some rare-coated Bengal Tigers with white coats and black stripes. Although Bengal Tigers make up most of the world’s tiger population, they are an endangered species.
1. Siberian Tiger
Weight: Up to 950 pounds
Height: 30 to 50 inches
Length: 70 to 82 inches
Location: Russia and China
The largest big cat in the world is the Siberian Tiger, with some adult males weighing a whopping 933 pounds. Siberian Tigers are found in Russia and northeastern China, in what is known as the Amur Region. They are the only tigers that can survive in snow thanks to their thick coats and layer of fat to keep them warm.
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About the Author
Sarah is an experienced writer at Animaloverse who is passionate about animals and content writing. She deeply respects animals and enjoys writing about them to educate and encourage others to love animals. Sarah has been writing about animals for several years and has gained valuable experience and skills in content creation. Her writing is inspired by her pets, some of which include a crested gecko, playful rats, and assorted aquarium fish. She is also pursuing various animal-related study courses to deepen her knowledge and gain credentials.
