Chicago Zoological Society - Black-Footed Cat

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Black-Footed Cat

Felis nigripes

Quick Facts

Body Length:	19.7" - 24.8"
Height:	6.7" - 9.8" at the shoulder
Weight:	Males: 4.2 - 5.5 lbs; Females: 2.2 - 3.3 lbs
Distribution:	Southern Africa, specifically Botswana, Namibia and South Africa
Habitat:	Dry, open savanna, grasslands and Karoo semi-desert with sparse shrub and tree cover
Wild Diet:	Rodents, shrews, small birds, snakes, geckos and a variety of invertebrates
Zoo Diet:	2 different kinds of meat (NPC – Nebraska Premium canine & Tucker’s Pork) plus 1 mouse and 1 pinky mouse daily; substitute an unshaved rib bone in place of meat mix once a week.

Big Cat Personality

Feisty and mighty for their size, black-footed cats are the smallest African feline species. Weighing between 2 and 4 pounds - half the size of domestic house cats - black-footed cats are opportunistic feeders that prey on a variety of animals. If necessary, this cat can eat 1?5 of its body weight in one meal. If cornered or threatened, black-footed cats are known to defend themselves fiercely.

Description

The black-footed cat is the smallest of the African felids. Their coats are tan to yellowish brown with black spots along the body and black stripes on their legs to provide camouflage. They also have black soles on their feet after which they are named. The black-footed cat has a broad skull, rounded ears and large eyes.

Status in the Wild

Black-footed cats are primarily threatened by habitat degradation, poisoning and other unsystematic pest control.

Conservation Programs