The five strongest big cats are tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, and jaguars. These are all capable predators and skilled hunters, used to taking down prey larger than themselves.
Do you know what the strongest big cat is?
Tigers, lions, and leopards are all known for their power and strength, but there are other big impressive cats out there.
In this article, we’ll share a list of the strongest big cats on the planet.
List of the 9 Strongest Big Cats
There are many different cat breeds in the world, and each has its own unique set of characteristics.
Some breeds are known for being particularly strong, athletic, and agile.
Here are the nine strongest cats, listed from weakest to strongest.
9. Bengal Cat
| Scientific Name | Felis catus x Prionailurus bengalensis |
| Common Name | Bengal Cat |
| Bite Force | Unknown |
| Diet | Kibble, prey such as fish, chicken, and other sources of meat |
| Habitat | Rural and urban areas |
One of the strongest cat breeds is the Bengal Cat. This powerful feline has a muscular body and is known for its agility and strength.
The Bengal Cat is also one of the largest domestic cat breeds, with males weighing up to 20 pounds and females up to 15 pounds.
This athletic breed is not only strong but also intelligent. They are known for their playful nature and their ability to learn tricks[1]. They are also one of the most active cat breeds, which means they require a lot of exercise and stimulation.
If you’re looking for a strong and powerful cat, the Bengal Cat is a great choice. This breed is perfect for families who are active and able to provide their Bengal with plenty of playtime and exercise.
8. Maine Coon
| Scientific Name | Felis catus |
| Common Name | Maine Coon |
| Bite Force | 75 PSI |
| Diet | Kibble, prey such as fish, chicken, and other sources of meat |
| Habitat | Rural and urban areas inhabited by humans |
The Maine Coon is a large and muscular semi-longhaired cat breed. It is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, specifically in the state of Maine where it is the official state cat.
No records of Maine Coon’s exact origins and history exist, so its background remains a mystery.
Some claim that the Maine Coon is a product of natural selection. A perfect mix of physical and temperamental traits suited for the harsh conditions of the Maine wilderness.
Others believe that the Maine Coon is a descendant of cats brought over by early European settlers.
Regardless of its origins, the Maine Coon is established as one of the most popular cat breeds in the world.
Maine Coons are known for their large size, thick fur coats, and friendly dispositions. Males weigh 13 to 18 pounds, while females weigh 9 and 12 pounds. Maine Coons also have a unique physical appearance, with tufted ears, bushy tails, and large paws.
7. Norwegian Forest Cat
| Scientific Name | Felis catus |
| Common Name | Norwegian Forest Cat |
| Bite Force | 75 PSI |
| Diet | Kibble, prey such as fish, chicken, cooked egg, and other sources of meat |
| Habitat | Forests and rural areas |
The Norwegian Forest cat is a large, powerful breed known for its hunting prowess and muscular build. These cats are often described as being “tough as nails”, and they live up to their reputation.
The Norwegian Forest cat is a popular breed in Scandinavia. They are also gaining popularity in other parts of the world.
These cats are large, with males weighing between 15 and 20 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, but still reach weights of up to 18 pounds. They are strongly built, with thick boning and well-muscled bodies.
Norwegian Forest cats have long legs that allow them to climb and jump with ease.[2] They also have large, padded paws that help them to move effortlessly through the snow.
With a thick double coat, this cat breed stays warm in even the coldest climates. The outer layer of the coat is water-resistant, and the undercoat is dense and insulating.
They come in a variety of colors and patterns, but the most common are black, white, and brown.
6. Jaguar
| Scientific Name | Panthera onca |
| Common Name | Jaguar |
| Bite Force | 1,500 PSI |
| Diet | Capybaras, deer, lizards, birds, monkeys, armadillos |
| Habitat | arid scrubland, swamps, river valleys, grasslands |
Jaguars are the strongest cats in the world, relative to their size. They are known for their muscular build and hunting abilities. Jaguars are also one of the largest cat breeds, weighing up to 250 pounds.
Native to South America, jaguars are found in countries like Brazil, Peru, and Argentina. In the wild, they live in forested areas and are excellent swimmers.
The Jaguar is an apex predator and is known for its powerful jaws and sharp claws. They are proficient hunters and are known to take down large animals like deer and caiman.
They are also one of the most popular big cats in zoos and wildlife parks around the world. They are a major tourist attraction and people come from all over to see them.
5. Cougar
| Scientific Name | Puma concolor |
| Common Name | Cougar |
| Bite Force | 724 PSI |
| Diet | Deer, moose, elk, wild sheep, and other prey |
| Habitat | Swamps, montane coniferous forests, swamps, dry bushes, lowland tropical forests |
The cougar is a large, secretive cat. Solitary by nature, it is rarely seen in the wild. It has long been hunted by humans, and its population has declined sharply in recent years. It is still one of the most powerful and dangerous predators in North America.
They also go by other names, such as mountain lion and puma.
There are several subspecies of cougar, all of which are native to the Americas:
- The North American cougar (found from Canada to Argentina)
- The Andean cougar (found in the mountains of South America)
- The Florida panther (found in the southeastern United State)
The cougar is a member of the Felidae, or cat, family. It is the largest member of this family in the Western Hemisphere. Adult male cougars weigh 115 to 220 pounds (52 and 100 kilograms), while females weigh 60 to 130 pounds (27 and 59 kilograms).
Cougars are usually dark brown or reddish in color, with a lighter-colored belly.
The cougar has long been respected and feared by humans[3]. Native Americans often revered the cougar as a symbol of strength and power.
In some cultures, the cougar was believed to have magical powers. Today, the cougar is still hunted by humans in many parts of North America.
4. Leopard
| Scientific Name | Panthera pardus |
| Common Name | Leopard |
| Bite Force | 300 to 310 PSI |
| Diet | Baboons, rodents, fish, warthogs, dung beetles |
| Habitat | Tropical forests, deserts, grassland plains, alpine areas |
Leopards are incredibly powerful for their size, and they are not afraid to use that strength to their advantage.
Whether they are taking down prey or protecting their territory, leopards are a force to be reckoned with. They are so strong that they are often compared to much larger animals like lions and tigers.
So what makes leopards so strong? For one thing, they have incredibly powerful hind legs. This gives them the ability to leap great distances: up to 10 feet in a single bound.
They also have sharp claws and powerful jaws, which they use to kill their prey.
Leopards are both agile and fast, as they can run up to 35 miles per hour. This combination of strength, speed, and agility makes them one of the most feared predators in the wild.
3. Lion
| Scientific Name | Panthera leo |
| Common Name | Lion |
| Bite Force | 1,000 PSI |
| Diet | Meat from ruminant animals |
| Habitat | Open plains, thick brush, grasslands, open woodlands |
Lions are the largest of the big cats, and they’re also some of the strongest. These powerful animals are built for hunting, and they have the strength and agility to take down even the biggest prey.
While males are bigger than females, it’s the female lions (lionesses) that do all of the hunting.
Lions are incredibly strong thanks to their large muscles and bones. They also have sharp claws and powerful jaws, which they use to kill their prey. Additionally, lions are fast and can run up to 50 mph (80 kph).
They are often referred to as the “king of the jungle” because of their regal demeanor.
2. Liger
| Scientific Name | Panthera leo x Panthera tigris |
| Common Name | Liger |
| Bite Force | 900 PSI |
| Diet | Larger herbivores such as deer and wild boar |
| Habitat | Zoos and sanctuaries |
The liger is the second-strongest cat breed in the world. It is a hybrid of a lion and a tiger, and as such, it has the strength and power of both parents.
The liger is larger than either species of its parents, with some individuals reaching weights of over 1000 pounds.
In addition to its sheer size and strength, the liger also has some other features that make it a powerful animal.
For instance, ligers have lion-like manes, which not only make them look impressive but also help protect their necks in fights. Their claws are incredibly sharp and strong, able to inflict serious damage on an opponent.
1. Tiger
| Scientific Name | Panthera tigris |
| Common Name | Tiger |
| Bite Force | 1050 PSI |
| Diet | Various types of prey ranging from horses, pigs, and cows |
| Habitat | Rainforests, mangrove swamps, and savannas |
The tiger is the strongest and most feared cat in the world. It is the largest member of the cat family and weighs up to 660 pounds.
Tigers are found in Asia and are known for their striped coats. They are an endangered species with about 3,500 left in the wild.
Tigers are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. They are skilled hunters and can take down prey much larger than themselves. Their powerful bodies and sharp claws make them a force to be reckoned with.
While tigers are dangerous, they are also beautiful animals. They have been revered in many cultures, and are an important part of the ecosystem.
Conclusion: The Strongest Cat
The strongest cats in the world are:
- Tigers
- Ligers
- Lions
- Leopards
- Cougars
- Jaguars
- Norwegian Forest Cats
- Maine Coon Cats
- Bengal Cats
FAQs
What Is the Strongest Cat in the World?
The tiger is considered the strongest cat in the world, mainly due to its large size and strong paw swipes. It is the largest member of the cat family, weighing up to 660 pounds.
Which Big Cat Has the Strongest Bite?
Jaguars have the strongest bite of any big cat with a PSI of 1,500. They are the strongest wild cats relative to size, able to tear through meat and crush bones with their powerful jaws.
Which Is the Best Climber of All the Big Cats?
The leopard is the best climber of all the big cats. It is agile and muscular, with powerful hind legs that allow it to leap great distances. Leopards are found in Africa and Asia, and are known for their spotted coats. They are an endangered species, with only about 7,500 left in the wild.
What Is the Biggest Wild Cat in the World?
The tiger is the biggest wild cat in the world. It is the largest member of the cat family, and can weigh up to 660 pounds.
Which Big Cat Is the Best Hunter?
The black-footed cat is the deadliest hunter in terms of the percentage of prey killed. It has a success rate of 70 percent, meaning that for every 10 rodents it chases, it catches and kills seven. To put that in perspective, a lion has a success rate of just 20 percent.
What Is the Strongest Tiger?
There are two main types of tigers, the Bengal tiger and the Siberian tiger. Of these two, the Siberian tiger is considered the stronger animal. The Siberian tiger is the largest of all tigers, weighing in at up to 660 pounds. They are also the longest-lived species of tiger, with a life expectancy of up to 20 years in the wild. Bengal tigers, on the other hand, only weigh up to 550 pounds and have a life expectancy of around 10-15 years in the wild.
What Is the Strongest Domestic Cat?
Maine coon is the strongest domestic cat. Maine coons are muscular and large-boned, making them one of the strongest cat breeds. They also have a thick coat that helps protect them from injuries. Maine coons are known for their gentle dispositions and loving nature, making them excellent pets for families with children.
Which Big Cat Has the Loudest Roar?
The lion has the loudest roar of any big cat. Male lions can roar as loud as 114 decibels, which is about as loud as a jet engine taking off. Lions usually only roar when they are communicating with other lions, usually to establish their territory or challenge other males.
