This document summarizes the evolution and characteristics of cat species. It discusses how cats evolved 30 million years ago and their ambush hunting style. It describes the differences between big cats like tigers, lions, leopards and snow leopards, and smaller wild cats. It also covers cat habitats, diets, development, physical attributes like whiskers and paws, and comparisons between cheetahs, leopards and jaguars. Finally, it lists threats to cat survival such as poaching, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflicts.