Are Hyenas Closer to Dogs or Cats?

Are hyenas closer to dogs or cats? The answer is cats, but they are truly neither. Hyenas are a category all their own. Their social intelligence, physical power, evolutionary history, and misunderstood role in the wild make them one of the animal kingdom’s most remarkable creatures.

Not Canines After All: The Science of Classification

Despite their physical similarities to dogs, hyenas belong to a completely different biological family—Hyaenidae. The confusion arises from what biologists call convergent evolution—a phenomenon where unrelated animals evolve similar traits to adapt to comparable environments or roles in the ecosystem. That’s why hyenas resemble canines: they hunt in packs, run long distances, and have strong jaws built for crushing bone.

But genetically and evolutionarily, hyenas are firmly placed within the Feliformia suborder—commonly referred to as “cat-like” carnivores. This group includes not only cats, but also animals like mongooses, civets, and genets. On the other hand, true dogs, wolves, and bears belong to the Caniformia suborder—the “dog-like” carnivores.

In short, while hyenas might act like dogs, their family tree tells a different story. They share a common ancestor with cats, not dogs, and that connection puts them squarely on the feline side of the evolutionary line.

Meet the Family: The Four Species of Hyena

Hyenas come in four distinct species, each with its quirks and role in the animal kingdom:

1. Spotted Hyena – The most famous and most studied. Known for its loud “laugh” and complex social behavior.

2. Striped Hyena – Found across North and East Africa and into parts of Asia. Shy and more solitary than its spotted cousin.

3. Brown Hyena – Native to southern Africa, recognizable by its shaggy coat and scavenging habits.

4. Aardwolf – The oddball of the group. Unlike its meat-loving relatives, the aardwolf primarily eats termites.

While all four species are unique, it’s the spotted hyena that has captured both scientific interest and public imagination, often for the wrong reasons.

The Scavenger Myth: More Than Just a Clean-Up Crew

Popular media, from folklore to Disney films, has long painted hyenas as the villains of the savannah—cowardly, ugly scavengers that steal from others. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Spotted hyenas, in particular, are skilled and efficient hunters. In some regions, they make up to 70–80% of their kills themselves. They hunt in coordinated groups, using tactics that require both intelligence and cooperation. Their stamina, speed, and jaw strength make them capable of taking down large prey like wildebeest and even zebras.

Rather than lurking on the edges of a lion’s kill, hyenas are often the ones making the kill themselves. Their reputation as thieves is outdated and oversimplified—they are apex predators in their own right.

Matriarchal Power: The Female-Led Clans

One of the most fascinating features of hyena society is its matriarchal structure. In spotted hyena clans, females dominate males—a rarity in the animal kingdom. The social hierarchy is strict, and even the lowest-ranking female outranks the highest-ranking male.

These clans can number up to 80 individuals, all ruled by a dominant female. The power dynamics affect everything from feeding order to breeding rights. Females are not only larger and more aggressive, but they also produce more testosterone-like hormones, which influence their behavior and physical traits.

This female-led system challenges the common expectations of dominance and strength in the animal kingdom, making hyenas a subject of deep interest for behavioral ecologists.

Built to Survive: Anatomy of a Super Scavenger

Hyenas have some of the most impressive jaws in the animal kingdom, capable of exerting enough force to crush bones. Their digestive systems are just as remarkable—they can consume and process virtually every part of a carcass, including skin, bones, and hooves.

This makes hyenas one of nature’s most efficient recyclers. By consuming remains that other predators leave behind, they help prevent the spread of disease and keep ecosystems clean. Their contribution to the environment goes far beyond the stereotype of “lazy scavenger”—they’re essential to the health of the savannah.

The Laugh That Talks: Complex Communication

The infamous “hyena laugh” is one of their most recognizable features, but it’s not just noise—it’s a sophisticated form of communication. Hyenas produce a wide range of vocalizations, including whoops, grunts, yells, and giggles. Each sound carries a specific meaning.

For example:

• High-pitched laughs can signal submission or nervousness.

• Low whoops may serve as a rallying call to other clan members.

• Giggles during a feeding frenzy can communicate frustration or excitement.

Studies have shown that hyena vocalizations can even indicate the individual’s social status, age, and emotional state. Their communication system rivals that of some primates, making them far more socially advanced than most people realize.

A Reputation in Need of Repair

So why do hyenas get such a bad rap? The answer lies in folklore, fear, and fiction. In many cultures, hyenas are seen as symbols of witchcraft, evil, or cowardice. Western stories and films have reinforced this image, portraying them as sneaky sidekicks or untrustworthy villains.

But the reality is far different. Hyenas are resilient survivors, strategic hunters, and dedicated clan members. They are vital to the ecosystems they live in, acting as both predator and cleanup crew.