Living BeingsCompare species
Domestic Cat
Felis catus
African Savanna Elephant
Loxodonta africana
Evidence from the profiles
Compare their characteristics
| Trait | Domestic Cat | African Savanna Elephant |
|---|---|---|
| Physical traits | Body size, coat pattern and hair length vary extensively through domestication. | Broad ears, a long trunk and column-like legs give the animal its familiar outline. The trunk tip has two finger-like projections. Both sexes can develop tusks. |
| Habitat and range | Most populations are associated with present or former human settlement, although feral animals can enter natural habitats. | Savannas and open woodland provide a shifting mixture of browse, grass, shade and drinking water. Seasonal water availability influences the places that herds use. |
| Diet and nutrition | Cats are obligate carnivores. Free-ranging individuals may hunt small mammals, birds and other animals even when people also provide food. | Grasses, leaves, bark and other plant material make up its diet. The trunk gathers food and moves it to the mouth. |
| Behavior and activity | Scent marking, body posture and vocal communication help organize interactions. Social behavior depends strongly on resources and individual history. | Female relatives and their young form long-lasting social groups. Older females hold knowledge of familiar routes and resources; adult males have a different pattern of association. |
| Reproduction and life cycle | Data unavailable | Calves are born alive and depend on milk and extended social care. Learning from other elephants is an important part of growing up. |
| Geographic distribution | Domestic cats have been dispersed widely by people. MDD records this taxon in its domesticated category rather than providing a list of native countries. | Native to sub-Saharan Africa. This account follows the savanna-elephant species concept rather than treating all African elephants as one species. |
| Ecological role | Data unavailable | Feeding and movement alter vegetation, and dung transfers seeds and nutrients. Habitat fragmentation and killing for ivory threaten populations. |
Classification
Shared ancestry
Closest shared taxon: Eutheria.