several animals; a few animals
Used for counting small animals such as cats, dogs, fish, insects, etc. The counter 匹 is for small to medium-sized animals.
There are several cats in the garden.
A few fish are swimming in the pond.
Used for counting larger animals like cattle, horses, or elephants, whereas 数匹 is for small animals.
Used for counting birds or rabbits, whereas 数匹 is for small animals typically not counted with 羽.
Compound of 数 (several) + 匹 (counter for small animals).