These facts come from the pages of TIME for Kids books, which help curious kids learn more about their favorite topics. Dig your claws into these fun facts about cats!
The TIGER is the world’s biggest cat. It can weigh up to 600 pounds—as much as a grizzly bear. One paw might be six inches across, and from its nose to the tip of its tail, a tiger’s body can be nine feet long.
The RUSTY-SPOTTED CAT is the world’s smallest cat species. A full-grown one would fit in the palm of your hand. This fierce and agile cat peers into the forest with eyes that are six times as sensitive as a human’s.
Powerful legs can launch the PUMA into leaps 45 feet long and 15 feet high. A puma can sprint at 50 miles per hour.
The CLOUDED LEOPARD can open its mouth wider than any other cat. Its fangs are as long as a 600-pound tiger’s.
The MARGAY cat is known as the trickster of the trees. In Brazil, in 2005, scientists heard a margay imitating the call of a baby monkey to attract older monkeys as prey.
A CHEETAH is the fastest land animal on Earth, able to hit speeds of 75 miles per hour—faster than a racehorse.
Ready for a bigger bite? Big Cats, Small Cats is available now, online and in bookstores and libraries.
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