Felis
genus of mammals
Quick Summary
The genus Felis is a classification within the cat family, Felidae, that includes what are informally known as "small cats." This distinguishes them from the "big cats" of the subfamily Pantherinae. Species within the Felis genus, such as the domestic cat (Felis catus), the wildcat, and the Pallas's cat, are characterized by ossified hyoid bones, which prevent them from roaring. The term "small cats" can also refer more broadly to all members of the subfamily Felinae.12
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