Felids are obligate carnivores with anatomical features finely tuned for hunting and consuming vertebrate prey. Although the size range among cat species spans from the diminutive rusty-spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus), weighing just 1–2 kg, to the massive tiger (Panthera tigris), which can exceed 300 kg, their morphological traits remain remarkably consistent. These traits are adaptations for stalking, ambushing, subduing, and consuming prey, tasks central to their survival.

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All felids possess elongated limbs equipped with protractile claws, which can retract into protective sheaths when not in use (with the exception of the cheetah). Forelimbs bear five digits of which one is a dewclaw that is raised off the ground and hence does not show up in footprints, while hind limbs typically have four digits. These claws serve a dual purpose: capturing and immobilising prey and providing traction during rapid sprints or climbs. Their skulls are relatively compact, with short faces and rounded heads, housing 28–30 teeth specialised for gripping and slicing flesh. The sagittal crest, a bony ridge on top of the skull prominent in many carnivores, is reduced in felids, reflecting adaptations for their unique feeding behaviour.

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The pelage, or coat, of felids plays a critical role in both hunting and protection. Most species rely on camouflage to approach prey undetected or to avoid predation themselves. Camouflage strategies vary by habitat and lifestyle. Cryptic colouration, where the coat matches the surrounding environment, is common in species like the sand cat (Felis margarita), which blends seamlessly into desert landscapes. In contrast, species like leopards (Panthera pardus) exhibit disruptive colouration with bold patterns that break up their outline in dense forests.

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The prevalence of melanistic forms, particularly in moist, forested habitats, underscores the influence of environmental factors on coat colouration. Melanism may confer advantages such as enhanced camouflage in shadowy environments or improved thermoregulation, though the mechanisms driving this adaptation remain an active area of study.