Is a Hyena a Dog or a Cat
Hyenas are often mistaken for dogs due to their appearance and behavior, but they actually belong to a different biological classification. So, is a hyena a dog or a cat?
Hyenas are neither dogs nor cats. They belong to their own unique family called Hyaenidae, which places them in the order Carnivora, closer to felines (cats) than canines (dogs).
What Animal Family Do Hyenas Belong To?
Hyenas belong to the Hyaenidae family, which consists of four species:
- Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) – The most well-known species, famous for its “laughing” vocalization.
- Striped Hyena (Hyaena hyaena) – Smaller and more solitary than the spotted hyena.
- Brown Hyena (Parahyaena brunnea) – Found mainly in southern Africa with shaggy fur.
- Aardwolf (Proteles cristata) – Insectivorous and more closely related to other hyenas than to wolves.
Are Hyenas More Closely Related to Cats or Dogs?
Although hyenas share some physical traits with dogs, they are actually more closely related to cats in terms of evolutionary history. They belong to the suborder Feliformia, which includes animals like:
- Cats (Felidae)
- Mongooses (Herpestidae)
- Civets (Viverridae)
This means hyenas share a common ancestor with felines, despite their dog-like appearance.
Why Do Hyenas Look Like Dogs?
Hyenas have evolved certain dog-like traits due to convergent evolution, which means they developed similar adaptations to fill a similar ecological niche. Some dog-like characteristics include:
- Powerful jaws and teeth for crushing bones.
- Packs and social behavior resembling that of wolves or wild dogs.
- Running endurance to chase down prey over long distances.
Despite these traits, their internal anatomy, hunting techniques, and genetic lineage align more closely with felines.
Key Differences Between Hyenas and Dogs
| Feature | Hyenas (Hyaenidae) | Dogs (Canidae) |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Feliformia (closer to cats) | Caniformia (true dogs) |
| Behavior | Scavenger and hunter, social packs | Hunters, social packs |
| Physical Traits | Powerful jaws, sloped back | Lean build, pointed muzzle |
| Communication | Laughing vocalizations | Barks and howls |
Conclusion
Hyenas are not dogs or cats, but they share a closer evolutionary link to felines. Their unique characteristics place them in their own family, Hyaenidae, making them one of the most fascinating and misunderstood animals in the animal kingdom.