The terms
big cat and
great cat, while not a biological classification, are used informally to distinguish the larger
felid species from smaller ones. A narrower definition of it includes five members of the genus
Panthera: the
tiger,
lion,
jaguar,
leopard, and
snow leopard. Only members of this genus are able to
roar. A more expansive definition additionally includes the
cougar,
clouded leopard and
cheetah. Especially the
clouded leopard is considered an evolutionary link between big and small cats.