Saber-toothed cats, often referred to as saber-toothed tigers, were prehistoric predators known for their long, curved canine teeth. They lived during the Pleistocene epoch, approximately 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago. These animals were part of the family Felidae and are most commonly represented by the species Smilodon. These cats were robust and muscular, with strong forelimbs that helped them tackle large prey, such as mammoths and bison. Their unique teeth were adapted for delivering deep bites, allowing them to effectively hunt and consume their food. Despite their fearsome appearance, saber-toothed cats went extinct due to climate changes and the decline of their prey.