The most well-known variety of saber toothed
cat,
Smilodon californicus, had
canines up to twelve inches long. Digital reconstructions and simulations reveal that despite the
animal's impressive,
knife-like
teeth, the saber toothed cat's bite was about one third as powerful as a modern
lion.
Scientists speculate the saber toothed cat used its powerfully built paws to bring down prey before applying a strangling bite to the
windpipe for the kill.
[LiveScience.com: Saber-Toothed Cat Had Wimpy Bite (October 1, 2007)]