* Puma is a specific type of wild cat, scientifically known as *Puma concolor*.
* Cat is a broader term that refers to any member of the family Felidae, which includes many different species like lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, and domestic cats.
So, while a puma is a cat, it's not the only kind of cat. It's like saying "dog" is another name for "golden retriever". A golden retriever is a dog, but there are many other types of dogs.