Worldwide distribution except Antarctica and some oceanic islands. Mostly open landscapes. Have remarkably good sense of smell. Most solitary, some in pairs or family groups. Sexually mature at 1 year.
Some species have male parental care.
Short neck and round head. Digitigrade, front legs 5 digits, hind legs 4 digits. All species, but cheetah have retractable claws. Worldwide distribution, except Antarctica, Australia and some islands. Mostly closed, forested landscapes, but also semi-deserts and deserts.