A saber-toothed cat (alternatively spelled sabre-toothed cat), also known as a saber-toothed tiger, is any of various groups predatory mammals related to modern cats (or resembling cats) that were characterized by long, sabre-shaped canine teeth. These animals belonged to subfamilies of Machairodontinae (Felidae), Barbourofelidae and Nimravidae (both Feliformia) as well as two families related to marsupials that were found worldwide from the Eocene Epoch to the end of the Pleistocene Epoch (42 mya—11,000 years ago), existing for approximately 42 million years. The large maxillary canine teeth extended from the mouth even when it was closed. Despite the name, not all animals known as saber-toothed cats were closely related to modern felines.
The Nimravidae are the oldest, entering the landscape around 42 mya and becoming extinct by 7.2 mya. Barbourofelidae entered around 16.9 mya and were extinct by 9 mya. These two would have shared some habitats.
Read more about Saber-toothed Cat: Morphology, Prey, Ecology, Saber-tooth Genera, Saber-tooth Evolutionary Tree, Literature
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“like the cat I have nine times to die.
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—Sylvia Plath (1932–1963)