Black-Footed Cat

Appearance

The black-footed cat, or small-spotted cat, is one of the smallest cat species in the world, as well as the smallest cat in Africa. They typically weigh in at 2-5 pounds and measure only 14-20 inches in length, whereas typical house cats weigh 10 pounds on average. Despite their small size, they are quite tenacious and have been known to defend themselves against jackals that are eight times their size. Their rounded, low set ears give them exceptional hearing, and are usually flattened in an aggressive posture for camouflage while hunting in areas with limited cover. In addition to the strong sense of hearing, they also have excellent night vision.

Adaptations

Black-footed cats are well-adapted to survive in the scrub deserts of southern Africa. Due to the blazing temperatures of their natural habitat, these felids have developed black paw pads covered with thick fur, which insulates their feet from hot sand.

Black-footed cats need to spend a lot of time hunting in order to fuel their extremely fast metabolism. Consequently, these cats are quick, agile hunters, able to travel up to 10 miles every night and successfully complete a hunt every 30-50 minutes. Their skills are so honed that they have the highest successful kill rate of any felid. 

Conservation

In 2019, it was estimated that only about 10,000 black-footed cats remained in the wild. Their secretive nature makes conservation difficult, however, international organizations have been making progress through several field studies. In addition to captive studies, radio collars have helped detect the process of their nocturnal hunts with the help of an advanced, light-sensitive camera.

Not only are deforestation and habitat loss a major threat to this species, but overgrazing by livestock and even indirect poisoning. Fossil Rim works with the Black-Footed Cat Consortium and is currently home to one breeding pair in addition to several individual cats. In 2019, a female gave birth to the first two black-footed cat kittens in Fossil Rim history. Successful litters have been born in subsequent years.

Where are they?

Two black-footed cats can be visited at our Children's Animal Center. Because of their shy nature, the others live in the Intensive Management Area and can only be visited on a Behind-The-Scenes Tour.

VIEWING TIPS
Though these cats can sometimes be seen sunning or hiding in plain site, they will likely require keen observation, as they are quite stealthy as a species.

Quick Facts

Scientific Name

Felis nigripes

Species Survival Plan

No

Habitat

Scrub desert and sandy or grassy plains

Food

Wild - rodents, birds, spiders, insect and small reptiles
Captivity - mice, chicks and commercially prepared meat with added vitamins and minerals

Originally Native To

South Africa, Botswana and Namibia

Weight

2 - 5 lb.

Characteristics

Cinnamon to tawny coat with dark brown to black spots that merge to form dark bands or rings on the chest, legs and tail; short, black-tipped tail with 2-3 black rings near the tip; low-set, flattened ears and large eyes; black pads and dark fur on the underside of feet

Lifespan

Wild 13 years
Captivity 18 years

Social Behavior

Solitary except for a short period of time for breeding and when a mother is rearing young

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