Time for a bit more about big cats as in their fur, their claws
and tongue.
These big cats are covered in fur to protect them in all kinds
of weather. More importantly, is the
pattern of the fur as it can help them camouflage in some case it can make them
near invisible.
The snow leopard has long woolly fur, which is longer then
on its belly, this is to give it extra protection as that part of the body
closest to the snow-covered ground. Cats
in warmer areas have short, bristly fur.
A cat’s coat is like its surroundings, the base cover of the
fur is like its habitat. The lion’s fur is yellow/brown, so it matches the
colour of the savannah grasslands, the stripes on the tiger’s coat make it
difficult to spot among the tall grasses. The spotted coat of the leopard helps it blend
with the patchy sunlight of the forest.
Now let’s look at their claws, these are super important for
hunting, their claws stay covered in their paws, this keeps them safe and sharp,
except for the cheetah. Their claws help them climb trees as well as
being handy while attacking a prey or defending themselves.
The tongue of big car is much rougher than that of a
domestic cat, the surface is covered in tiny black hooks which help them with
cleaning and combing their coats. As well helping them strip the flesh of the
bone of their food.
Long fur is not just to protect against the cold, the black
footed cat and sand cat both have fur coving their feet and pads, both cats live
in desert areas and the fur protects against the heat of the ground.
A cheetah’s coat has dark spots like dalmatians.
A tiger’s coat has black stripes
A leopard’s coat has circular ring like spots
A lion’s coat has no spots or stripes, though cubs may have
spots that fade away as they age
A jaguar’s coat has
similar rings as a leopard, although the outlines may be irregular.
Interesting.
ReplyDeleteI agree
DeleteNature is so diverse and interesting! :)
ReplyDeleteThat it is
DeleteSo do Tim and I
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteI can understand why cats' claws help them climb trees because falling from a great height could be damaging. But tearing the prey apart with sharp claws seems so painful that the cats must treasure their best attacking and defensive tools.
Hell very painful you would think but what do I know, oh I know I don't want to meet one in a dark ally or anywhere else for that matter
DeleteClaws and teeth are a must for them to eat. I can't look at big cats killing animals to eat, or can I watch them eat. That's just me, and my father was the same.
ReplyDeleteFascinating creatures, those "kitties".
ReplyDeleteIndeed they are
DeleteAll unique and so well-suited for their environments. I enjoyed this, Jo-Anne. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThat they are
DeleteGreat blog
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. Thank you for sharing this with me. I bet that James would like a book about all of these animals that you share with us.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome I am learning more as I do these posts, the book is really interesting.
DeleteThe long hair on the snow leopard's belly makes sense. Wonder what that means for Misty's butt...
ReplyDeleteIt makes sense but it sounds odd
Delete