Small ears, but a big mouth: the remains of a saber-toothed kitten have been studied for the first time (photos included).

Scientists have examined the remains of a three-week-old saber-toothed "kitten" that has been preserved in the Arctic permafrost for approximately 37,000 years. The head, limbs, paws, and body are almost perfectly preserved due to the cold, as reported by ScienceAlert.

"For the first time in history, paleontologists have been able to study the intact appearance of an extinct mammal that has no modern counterparts," the study states.

The issue is that the remains of long-extinct animals are often scattered by predators, scavengers, and natural forces. Most of the knowledge is based on a few bones from here and a few teeth from there.

The mummified saber-toothed cat (Homotherium latidens), which died in the late Pleistocene, has been remarkably well-preserved with a relatively intact front half of its body. Incomplete pelvic bones, a femur, and shin bones were found in the nearby ice.

Analysis revealed differences from modern cubs of a similar age. By comparing the ancient species with its living relatives, scientists can gain a better understanding of the extinct species.

It is noted that significant climate changes were occurring on Earth during the late Pleistocene, including the last glacial maximum. The peak of this global cooling occurred 26,000 years ago. Much can be learned about that time from the preserved remains of flora and fauna.

Researchers state that the saber-toothed tiger cub was apparently well adapted to the cold. The cub's paws were relatively wide compared to those of its contemporary relatives. It also lacked wrist pads, which may be a result of adaptation to low temperatures and walking on snow.

It is believed that this species hunted large prey, such as aurochs and reindeer.

The prehistoric saber-toothed kitten has a noticeably larger mouth than its modern descendants, along with small ears, a very robust neck, and elongated front limbs.

The cub has short, dense, and soft dark brown fur, which is slightly longer on its back and neck than on its paws. Additionally, like any self-respecting member of the cat family, the saber-toothed cat has two rows of whiskers above its upper lip.

"A remarkable feature in the morphology of Homotherium is the presence of an enlarged premaxilla," the study notes.

This jaw structure allowed the predators to carry their famous saber-like fangs.

Let us remind you what sounds saber-toothed tigers actually made. Today, we know of many cats, some of which purr while others roar during communication. Now scientists have discovered which of these two groups the ancient saber-toothed tigers belong to.