18 magnificent big and wild cats show the beauty and power of nature’s majestic predators

Entries to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition are always a stunning collection of life in our natural world. Here, I take a look at some of the cats that have been submitted, and even won awards, over recent years. From lions and leopards to smaller cats like lynx, the photographs encapsulate their majestic, playful, and powerful characteristics through a range of behaviours and striking portraits, plus the issues they face in important photojournalist stories.

I recently spoke with Chair of the Jury, Kathy Moran, about what she and the rest of the judging panel are hoping to see from entries in the next competition. So if you need some advice take a read here.

You can also see my feature on the latest Wildlife Photographer of the Year winners for more inspiration. For full details on how to enter carry on reading to the end. Now, let’s look at these beautiful kitties!

Frontier of the Lynx by Igor Metelskiy – 2024 winner, Animals in their Environment

Igor shows a lynx stretching in the early evening sunshine, its body mirroring the undulating wilderness. Igor positioned his camera trap near the footprints and droppings of potential prey. It took more than six months of waiting to achieve this relaxed image of the elusive lynx.

A rarity by Prasenjeet Yadav – 2026 Highly Commended, Animal Portraits

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