what is the largest cat?

The largest cat in the world is the Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica). Adult male Siberian tigers can weigh between 400 to 600 pounds (180 to 272 kg) and measure up to 10 to 12 feet (3 to 3.7 meters) in length, including the tail. They are known for their strength and size, making them the largest of the big cat species. Other large cats include the Bengal tiger and various species of lions, but the Siberian tiger holds the title for the largest.

isn't it a liger

You're correct that a liger, which is a hybrid cross between a male lion and a female tiger, can grow larger than both parent species. Ligers have been known to reach weights of up to 1,000 pounds (450 kg) or more and can exceed lengths of 12 feet (3.7 meters) when accounting for their tail. However, ligers are not a distinct species; they are a result of interbreeding in captivity and do not occur naturally in the wild.

In summary, while ligers can be larger than any naturally occurring wild cat, the Siberian tiger is the largest true wild cat species.