Big Teeth, Weak Bite
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)