All wild cats give birth to live young in litters, usually groups of two to six, depending on the species. Newborns are usually sheltered in a den, hidden in dense vegetation or sometimes a hollow under a tree. Mothers are protective, and only leave to hunt food for their young. Some stay with their mother for a few months, and others remain for up to two years; lions can stay in the maternal pride, or group, for as long as four years. The biggest of the big cats will enjoy a slightly longer life than any other kinds of cats - some can live as long as 25 to 30 years.
