Ana are mere Cats are noted for purring when content and for

snarling, howling, or spitting when in conflict with another of their

kind. The so-called “big cats” (genus Panthera), especially the lion,
often roar, growl, or shriek. Usually, however, cats are silent. Many
cats use “clawing trees,” upon which they leave the marks of
their claws as they stand and drag their front feet downward with the
claws extended. Whether such behaviour is for the purpose of cleaning
or sharpening the claws or simply to stretch is debatable, but the
behaviour is innate; kittens raised in isolation soon begin to claw
objects.

The larger cats are strong, fierce, and extremely dangerous when
hungry. Because of their large size, they occasionally attack humans.
Although tigers and leopards are most noted as man-eaters, lions and
jaguars can also be dangerous. In North America the puma, also
known as the cougar or mountain lion, tends to avoid contact with
humans, but a few attacks occur annually, especially in areas where
development encroaches on areas of high puma density, such as the
western United States. Similarly, attacks on livestock often necessitate
removal of problem animals.