The Most Popular Big Cat, Ranked

Choose the big cat you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:30
In the wilds of our world, large felines capture our fascination with their majestic presence and mysterious ways. Determining which of these captivating creatures stands out the most can provide insights into public interests and conservation awareness. By voting for your favorite, you contribute to a broader understanding of general preferences and popularity within our community. Every vote cast in this fun and engaging process helps to shape the live rankings, giving a real-time view of which majestic feline is admired the most. This not only fuels friendly competition among enthusiasts but also highlights the importance of each species. Your participation is a step toward raising awareness about these splendid animals and their conservation needs.

What Is the Most Popular Big Cat?

  1. 1
    70
    votes
    The lion is often referred to as the king of the jungle and is considered the most popular big cat due to its majestic appearance and prominent role in popular culture.
  2. 2
    48
    votes
    The tiger is the largest cat species and is known for its striking orange coat with black stripes. It is often featured in artwork and literature, as well as being a popular zoo attraction.
    The Tiger is one of the most beautiful Chinese zodiac signs. It is known for its majestic and powerful presence. Tigers are courageous, independent, and have a natural beauty that captivates others. With their striking appearance and magnetic personality, they effortlessly draw attention wherever they go.
    • Element: Wood
    • Lucky Colors: Blue, gray, orange, white
    • Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 4
    • Lucky Flowers: Cineraria
    • Lucky Directions: North, South, East
  3. 3
    32
    votes
    The jaguar is the largest cat in the Americas and is known for its powerful build and distinctive spots. It is a symbol of strength and agility in many cultures.
  4. 4
    28
    votes
    The leopard is a graceful and elusive big cat known for its spotted coat and ability to climb trees. It is often featured in African folklore and is a popular subject in wildlife photography.
    The leopard (Panthera pardus) is a large and agile wild cat native to the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the most popular and elusive animals found in India, known for its beauty and stealthy nature.
    • Scientific Name: Panthera pardus
    • Size: 1.3 to 1.5 meters in length (excluding the tail) and 60 to 70 centimeters in height
    • Weight: 30 to 70 kilograms
    • Coat Color: Yellow or tawny with dark spots called rosettes
    • Habitat: Varied habitats including forests, grasslands, mountains, and deserts
  5. 5
    29
    votes
    The snow leopard is a rare and elusive big cat that lives in the mountains of Central Asia. It is known for its beautiful white coat and is an important cultural symbol in many countries.
    The Snow Leopard is a majestic wild cat known for its striking appearance and elusive behavior. It is native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia.
    • Scientific Name: Panthera uncia
    • Size: Length: 3 to 4.5 feet, Height: 2 feet at shoulders
    • Weight: 60 to 120 pounds
    • Coat: Thick, pale gray color with black rosettes and spots
    • Habitat: High-altitude alpine and subalpine regions
    Snow Leopard in other rankings
  6. 6
    18
    votes
    The cheetah is the fastest land animal and is known for its long, slender build and distinctive spots. It is often featured in wildlife documentaries and is a popular zoo attraction.
    The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a magnificent big cat known for its incredible speed and sleek appearance. It is a distinctive and striking species that captivates the imagination of nature enthusiasts worldwide. With its slender body, long legs, and characteristic black tear marks on its face, the cheetah is truly a remarkable animal.
    • Scientific Name: Acinonyx jubatus
    • Size: Adults measure approximately 3-4 feet at the shoulder and 5-6.2 feet in length, excluding the tail.
    • Weight: Males can weigh between 110-140 lbs (50-64 kg), while females are slightly smaller at 77-130 lbs (35-59 kg).
    • Speed: Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 mph (113 km/h) in short bursts covering distances of 1,500 feet (460 m).
    • Coat: They have a distinctive coat with short, coarse fur characterized by a pattern of black spots on a tawny background. This coat provides excellent camouflage in their natural habitat.
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    The cougar, also known as the mountain lion or puma, is a large cat native to the Americas. It is known for its sleek, muscular build and is a symbol of power and strength.
    The Cougar, also known as the mountain lion or puma, is a large felid species native to the Americas. It is recognized for its sleek and muscular build, with a tan-colored fur coat and a long, slender tail. Cougars are solitary and elusive animals, known for their exceptional agility and stealth. They are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, mountains, and deserts.
    • Scientific Name: Puma concolor
    • Average Length: 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) including the tail
    • Average Weight: 80 to 220 pounds (36 to 100 kilograms)
    • Habitat: Various habitats in the Americas, including forests, mountains, and deserts
    • Diet: Primarily deer, but also preys on smaller mammals
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    The liger is a hybrid cross between a male lion and a female tiger. It is known for its impressive size and strength, making it a popular attraction in zoos and wildlife parks.
    The Liger is a hybrid big cat that is a cross between a male lion (Panthera leo) and a female tiger (Panthera tigris). It is known for its large size and distinct appearance, combining characteristics of both parent species.
    • Size: Ligers are considered the largest known big cat, with males reaching around 10-12 feet in length and weighing up to 900 pounds, while females are slightly smaller.
    • Appearance: Ligers have a lion-like body shape, but with some tiger-like features such as stripes on a tawny background. They often have a tuft of hair at the end of their tail, similar to a lion's.
    • Behavior: Ligers typically exhibit a mix of traits from both lions and tigers. They are generally social like lions, but also share some solitary tendencies with tigers.
    • Habitat: Since Ligers are a hybrid species, they do not have a natural habitat. They are only found in captivity, primarily in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries.
    • Reproduction: Ligers are usually sterile and cannot produce offspring. This is due to differences in the number of chromosomes between lions and tigers.
  9. 9
    5
    votes
    The lynx is a medium-sized cat with distinctive tufted ears and a stubby tail. It is found in northern regions around the world and is a symbol of wilderness and freedom.
    Lynx is an epic female outfit in Fortnite featuring a sleek and modern design. With a feline-inspired theme, Lynx is adorned with black and white fur patterns and glowing blue eyes. She wears a black tactical suit with blue accents and bulky armor pieces. The outfit also includes a feline-shaped helmet and a pair of flexible gloves.
    • Rarity: Epic
    • Set: Feline
    • Gender: Female
    • Release Date: December 6, 2018
    • Back Bling: Cuff Case
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    The serval is a medium-sized cat found in Africa, known for its distinctive long legs and spotted coat. It is a skilled hunter and is sometimes kept as a pet.
    The Serval is a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa. It is known for its slender body, long legs, and relatively short tail. The Serval's distinctive features include large, rounded ears and a coat pattern characterized by bold spots and stripes.
    • Scientific Name: Leptailurus serval
    • Habitat: Grasslands, wetlands, and savannas
    • Range: Sub-Saharan Africa
    • Size: Head to body: 23-36 inches, Tail: 11-18 inches
    • Weight: Male: 20-40 pounds, Female: 15-25 pounds

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Ranking factors for popular big cat

  1. Global population size
    The number of individuals of a particular big cat species remaining in the wild can be an indicator of its popularity and conservation status.
  2. Public interest and awareness
    The level of public fascination, awareness, and support for a particular big cat species can be a factor in determining its popularity. This can be measured through surveys, internet searches, social media presence, and media coverage.
  3. Cultural and historical significance
    The role that a particular big cat species has played in human culture, mythology, and history can contribute to its popularity. For example, certain big cats are national symbols or are associated with specific cultures or religions.
  4. Geographic distribution
    The regions where a big cat species is found can influence its popularity, especially if it is associated with a specific country or area that has a strong affinity for the species.
  5. Conservation status
    The possibility of extinction or the urgency of conservation efforts for a particular big cat species can make it more popular or well-known. Species that are critically endangered or facing significant threats may be more likely to receive attention and support.
  6. Aesthetic appeal
    The physical appearance of a big cat, such as its size, color, and unique features, can impact its popularity. Some big cats may be considered more beautiful or majestic, which can contribute to their appeal.
  7. Behavior and ecology
    The behavior, hunting style, and habitat preferences of a big cat can influence its popularity. Some species, like the elusive and solitary snow leopard, are well known because of their unique behaviors or rare sightings.
  8. Research and conservation efforts
    The amount of scientific research, documentation, and conservation programs focused on a big cat species can play a role in its popularity. Species with more attention from scientists and conservationists are likely to be better known and supported by the public.
  9. Educational programs and outreach
    The presence of a big cat species in zoos, wildlife parks, and educational programs can impact public awareness and support for the species. Species that are more commonly displayed or featured in educational materials may become more popular.
  10. Human-big cat interactions
    Positive or negative experiences with humans, including instances of human-wildlife conflict or predation on livestock, can influence the perception and popularity of a big cat species.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular big cat. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Lion is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2423 views
  • 243 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Lion once every 24 hours. The rank of each Lion is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular big cat

Big cats are some of the most majestic and awe-inspiring creatures on the planet. These felines are known for their beauty, strength, and ferocity. From the iconic lion to the elusive snow leopard, there are many different species of big cats that roam the world's wild places. Despite their power and grace, many big cat populations are threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and other factors. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these magnificent creatures and ensure their survival for generations to come. At StrawPoll, we're interested in what people think about big cats. Which species is the most popular? Is it the king of the jungle, the lion? Or perhaps the stealthy and elusive jaguar? Our polls and rankings allow users to share their opinions and insights on a wide range of topics, including the world's most beloved big cats.

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