Small Cats. Information on small cats including the main differences between small cats and the larger varieties of the feline group of species.

The family Felidae is one of the most diverse groups of carnivores and includes species that range in size from 2.2 lb (1 kg) to over 500 lb. (230 kg).

One feature that separates small cats from large is their throat structure, which gives the cat the ability to roar and purr.

The group of small cats cannot roar like the big cats do, because the bones in their throats are hardened and close together and can only produce smaller vibrations.

Instead, they mew, scream, and growl. Anyone with a house cat knows that small cats can purr nonstop whether they are breathing in or out, but big cats can't purr continuously.

They can only purr when they breathe out. The purr is interrupted when the cat breathes in.

Another difference is the cat's eyes. A small cat's pupil closes to a vertical (up and down) slit, while a big cat's pupil closes to a circle, like a human's pupil.

Nose - Small cats have a strip of leathery skin across the top of their noses, directly above the wet tip. On big cats, this area is covered with fur.

Scientists fear that the numbers of most small cats are declining for two reasons:

Fur Trade

Since the penalties for hunting big cats have increased, people have begun hunting the small spotted cats for their fur.

Coats made from cat fur are still popular in parts of Europe and Asia. Since small cats have smaller skins, as many as 25 cats must be killed to make one fur coat.

Like their larger cousins, small cats can be helped if people stop wearing their fur.

Loss of Habitat

The other threat to the survival of small cats is loss of their habitat due to development of towns, cities, and farms.

When people move into their habitat, small cats are often viewed as a threat to pets, livestock, or humans, and so they are killed.