Within the felids, however, the stocky, muscular Smilodon fatalis is often thought of as the iconic example of a saber-toothed cat because of its extremely long canines—up to about seven inches ...

The saber-toothed cat’s paws, broad and fur-covered ... that perhaps, unlike the famed Smilodon, Homotherium’s deadly fangs were sheathed by thick lips, hidden until the moment of attack.