Damn, I used to hunt wild pigs (pickery (SP)??? while stationed in Arizona. I would NOT trust the puny .223 on cats. You need too many "follow up" shoots. The new 6.8 or a 7.62x39 AK round would fare much better. I shoot the 60 gr Nozzler in my .223s when forced too. Have a nice run.............. while the lions chase!!!!!