Feline means relating to cats, or having cat-like qualities. Scientists use feline to describe the entire cat family, which includes house cats, lions, tigers, leopards, and cheetahs. A veterinarian who specializes in treating cats is called a feline specialist.

The word often describes movements or behaviors that remind us of cats. When someone moves with feline grace, they're walking smoothly and silently, like a cat stalking through tall grass. A gymnast might display feline agility, landing softly on her feet after a flip. When you notice someone's feline eyes, you're seeing that alert, watchful quality that cats have.

All members of the cat family share certain feline traits: sharp retractable claws, excellent night vision, and the ability to move almost silently. Even the massive Siberian tiger hunting in snowy forests shows the same basic feline characteristics as the tabby cat napping on your couch, just on a much larger and more powerful scale.

As a noun, a feline is any member of the cat family.