CARNIVORES: CATS. 



17 



CATS. 



Of all the Carnivores the Cats have the keenest 

 senses, the quickest movements, and they are the most 

 rapacious. Their tread is noiseless, the bottoms of 

 their feet being like a cushion; they stealthily ap- 

 proach their prey, and when near enough seize it with 

 a sudden spring. The name Gat is not only given to 



Fig. 43. Puma. 



the domestic varieties of this sort, but also to the Lion, 

 Tiger, Panther, Leopard, Puma, Lynx, Jaguar, and 

 Wild-Cat. The Lion, Panther, and Leopard inhabit 

 Africa and Southern Asia, and the Tiger is found in 

 India; the first and last being the largest of all the 

 Cat tribe. The Puma is found from Canada to Pata- 

 gonia, and is larger than the largest dog, and preys 

 upon deer, sheep, hares, and sometimes attacks human 

 beings. It climbs trees,, and often lies upon a limb in 

 wait for prey. The Jaguar inhabits Texas, and is found 

 as far south as Patagonia. The American Wild-Cat 



