| Family | Feline |
| Habitat | Variety of environments |
| Classification | Carnivorous mammals |
| Social Structures | Diverse |
| Hunting Strategies | Range of techniques |
| Domestication Level | Largely retained wild, feral nature |
| Cultural Significance | Significant across the globe |
| Evolutionary Adaptation | Highly efficient predators |
Cats are a family of small to medium-sized carnivorous mammals known as Felidae. They are found on every continent except Antarctica, living in a wide range of habitats from deserts to rainforests. While humans have long had a close relationship with certain species of cats, in this timeline cats have generally maintained a more independent and feral nature compared to the heavily domesticated house cats of our world.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require nutrients found only in animal flesh to survive. They are adept hunters, using sharp claws, teeth, and stealthy movements to catch prey. Most species are solitary and nocturnal, though some like lions and cheetahs are more social and diurnal.
Felids come in a wide variety of sizes, from the 5-pound house cat to the 600-pound Siberian tiger. While smaller cats like the bobcat and lynx primarily hunt small rodents and birds, the largest "big cat" species prey on larger animals like deer, antelope, and even humans. Many big cat populations, such as lions in Africa and tigers in Asia, continue to roam relatively large, undisturbed ranges.
Cats are generally quite flexible and agile, able to climb trees, leap long distances, and twist their bodies to fit through tight spaces. They have excellent senses of hearing, smell, and night vision that aid in hunting. Sharp retractable claws and powerful jaws allow them to catch, kill, and rip apart prey.
While cats have long been associated with human civilizations, they have generally maintained a more distant and feral relationship compared to the domestic house cats familiar in our world. Certain species like the Egyptian Mau and Siamese cat have been semi-domesticated and kept as pets or ceremonial animals by some cultures, but most wild felids avoid close contact with humans.
In many societies, cats are seen as powerful, mysterious creatures imbued with supernatural qualities. They feature prominently in the mythologies and folklore of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and China, often as symbols of protection, fertility, or the afterlife. Feline imagery and iconography have been common in art, architecture, and religious practices across the world.
However, the continued presence of large predatory cats in populated areas has also led to frequent conflicts and confrontations with humans. Attacks on livestock, pets, and even people are not uncommon, particularly in regions where urbanization encroaches on wild habitats. Efforts to cull or relocate problem cat populations are often controversial.
While some species of cats like the domestic cat and bobcat remain widespread and abundant, others face threats to their long-term survival. Habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts with humans have led to declining populations and endangered status for many big cat species. Conservation efforts to protect and restore their natural habitats have had mixed success.
The continued existence of apex predators like lions, leopards, and tigers is seen as crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems worldwide. Organizations like the World Wildlife Fund work to study, monitor, and safeguard threatened cat populations through anti-poaching patrols, land management, and public education campaigns. The future of these iconic felines remains uncertain in the face of human encroachment and environmental change.
