10 Types of Wild Cats. These are just some of the big cats that make up the Felid family. Other members can be found prowling all over the world, but they’re much smaller than their more well-known cousins. They vary in size, habitat, and fur type. Wild felines are just as graceful and powerful as their larger cousins, these 10 interesting facts about wild cats emphasize this point perfectly.
Table of Contents
1. Ocelot: Spotted Beauty
The ocelot, also known as Leopardus pardalis, is one of the most gorgeous wild cats in the world. This medium-size cat can weigh up to 33 pounds and grow to about 3 ½ feet long. It has a stunning dark coat with spots that almost make it look like a miniature leopard. The ocelot has an extensive range that extends from the southwestern part of North America into South and Central America.
An excellent swimmer, climber and runner, this animal is an almost perfect predator. As a nocturnal being, Ocelots tend to be shy and hide away during the day. Their excellent eyesight gives them just what they need to hunt and stalk their prey in the dark, and they communicate with other ocelots through quiet meows. They mostly hunt small animals on the ground but have been known to attack monkeys, turtles, anteaters and even undersized deer.
2. Black-Footed Cat: Fierce Fighter
This adorable feline is the smallest wild cat in Africa, and it is also one of the smallest around. They’re tiny solitary creatures that happen to look like a domesticated house pet.
And they have grown over time to last longer than any other cat, possibly because their feet are covered with fur that protects them from the hot sand. With this fierce reputation, they’re a great climber that can jump 5 feet into the air.
3. Sand Cat: Tiny Desert Dweller
The sand cat (Felis margarita) is one of the smallest, yet most adaptable big cat breeds. This cuddly looking breed thrives in harsh desert habitats across the Middle East and North Africa. They are native to deserts and grasslands, but their sandy fur keeps them warm in some of the world’s hottest temperatures. By day, their temperature can reach 126 degrees Fahrenheit without any problems. However, it drops by 30 degrees at night.
4. Snow Leopard: Mountain Mystery
The snow leopard (Pantera uncia) is among the most mysterious of the wild cats. These beautiful animals are known for their snowy white coat and bright dark blue eyes. These cats reside in high-elevation, remote mountain ranges, and we know less about them than other types of wild cats. Snow leopards can also be found in lowland forests, grasslands, and desert regions where they hunt prey like antelope.
5. Fishing Cat: Skilled Swimmer
The fishing cat, or Prionailurus viverrinus, is a species of wild cat native to Southeast Asia. It stands out among other types of wild cats because it’s a strong and skilled swimmer. It reaches a length of 4 feet and a weight of 11 to 35 pounds. In addition to being good swimmers, these factors make it difficult for the fishing cat to be identified – the hunting expertise needed for identification can be disrupted by water. Its diet is mostly fish and small rodents.
6. Rusty-Spotted Cat: Smallest of the Big Cat Breeds?
The little feline (Prionailurus rubiginosus) is native to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Measuring under 2 feet in length, with it’s spots, long tail and pointed ears, it looks like a tiny leopard with its rust-coloured fur. The rust-spotted cat is characterized by the rust-coloured spots on their fur. With their enormous eyes and tiny size, they look utterly adorable but this cat is a skilled predator.
7. Caracal: Exotic Beauty
It’s easy to identify this unusual wild cat by its strange ears. This beautiful animal is well known for its lean, elegant body, tall frame and golden fur. Caracals are native to North Africa and Egypt, where they’ve been present since ancient times.
There’s evidence that the caracal was important in Egyptian culture as many caracals were sacrificed during those times of year that included Mayan observances. The caracal is pretty tall standing about 1½-2 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing from 20 to 45 pounds. It prefers dry scrubland and grassland where it can be a deadly predator.
8. Pallas Cat: Small and Fluffy
When Pallas’s cat (Octolobus manual) was discovered, it was found living high in the mountains of Asia. It’s been spotted in Iran, Pakistan, northern India, and China. This beautiful wild cat has a stocky build and thick fluffy fur. The cat ranges over the territory of up to 100 square miles that it hunts small mammals like pikas and ermines on.
9. Jaguarundi: Outstanding Jumper
The jaguarundi is a small animal that has a more substantial build than a domestic cat. They’re native to Mexico, Belize, and several other countries in Central and South America. They can jump high and hunt for their prey which includes small rodents and rabbits. The average jaguarundi weighs 8 – 16 pounds with a solid brown or gray coat.
10. Iberian Lynx
The Iberian lynx has long, tufted ears and fluffy paws. From the mountains of Spain, the sturdy cat preys on rabbits, rodents, and other small mammals. The Iberian lynx almost became extinct but when it was reintroduced, it was bred in captivity. It has a fawn-colored coat with dark spots and long legs. An Iberian lynx weighs up to 35 pounds.”
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How many different types of wild cats are there?
There are many different types of wild cats. Whether you’re interested in small or large, there’s a type that fits your needs. Each cat has unique features and conservation challenges they need help with, so if you can give them some help we invite you to do so.
What’s the biggest wild cat?
Big cats are some of the largest predators in the world. They come in many colors and sizes, but there are three main types: black-footed cat, tiger, and sand cat.
How can a little wild cat be called a big cat?
There’s no exact identification of what a big cat is. Some people believe only cats that roar can be considered big cats. Others say all wild, undomesticated cats are big cat breeds, including the tiger, lion, jaguar, and leopard. As the facts about wild cats show, they all share similar traits. They’re carnivores, and they dominate their environment with abilities as excellent predators.