Saber-toothed cats strong-armed prey

Forelimbs were especially thick for their length

A saber-toothed cat’s pounce may have been as bad as its bite. These extinct animals had exceptionally strong forelimbs that probably held a victim still while razorlike teeth ripped out its throat, a new study shows.

Most carnivorous cats suffocate their victims with a long, crushing bite to the throat or nose.