The difference between a "big cat" and a "small cat", anatomically, is not in fact size, despite what the labels may denote. It is the ability to roar, which specifically is determined by the composition of the hyoid bone, which connects the tongue to the roof of the mouth. Big cats, or members of the genus Panthera (Leopard, Jaguar, Tiger, Lion, Snow Leopard), have elastic cartilage as the component of their hyoid bones, which gives them the ability to roar, a deep noise which can carry for miles. Contrastingly, all other members of the cat group are "small" cats, and have solid bone as their hyoid composition, depriving them of the vibration which allows big cats to roar. They can, however, purr, while the flexible hyoid limits big cats from doing so. The cougar/mountain lion/puma (Felis concolor) of south and north america is one such example of why the hyoid bone is important as a determinant rather than size. The cougar is indeed large, rivaling even the leopard in size, but it cannot roar, only purr and in some cases "scream". So, now you know what separates your precious house cat from some if it's bigger cousins: it's the hyoid bone.
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