Black panthers are big cats that are characterised by a coat of black fur or black spots which are just visible against dark background. They are more common in south-western China and south of Malaysia’s Isthmus of Kra than anywhere else in the world. Although the colloquial term, black panther, is used to refer to large felines, they are still wild animals who live in their natural habitat and have complex behavioral, social, nutritional and psychological needs. No matter how tame wild animals are, they are not pets, and they shouldn’t be treated as such.

However, sometimes, we realize that our black cats have in common with black panthers – their distant relatives in the wild. And in order to prove that, we collected some photos of these two animals to compare and then share with you. If you don’t believe, just take a look at 16 photos below, and we are sure that you will change your mind immediately. Scroll down to check for yourself! 

They look fierce when on the prowl…

…or on the move…

…in more ways than one

They’re great athletes

They have fearsome fangs