ExploreMammals

black-footed cat

Felis nigripes

The black-footed cat is a small, cute cat that loves to hunt at night. They have soft fur with spots and are known for their big eyes and tiny feet, which help them sneak around quietly.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The black-footed cat is a small, stocky wild cat with sandy to reddish-brown fur covered in distinct black spots and stripes. Its legs, neck, and tail have bold black rings, and it has uniquely dark-soled paws. Large eyes and small, rounded ears complete its look.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyFelidaeGenusFelis
black-footed cat
furry trait badgespotted trait badgesolitary trait badgegrassland trait badge
black-footed cat

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Rare

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Black-footed cats are nocturnal, doing all their hunting after dark.

Their hunting success rate is an amazing 60%, one of the highest in the cat world!

These tiny cats are incredibly fierce, earning the nickname 'ant-tiger'!

They don't need to drink water; they get all they need from their prey!

Special abilities

Ability

Night Vision Ninja

The black-footed cat has huge eyes that give it excellent night vision, which helps them spot tiny prey in the dark.

Ability

Stealth Stalker

The black-footed cat can creep silently on its black-padded feet because they are adapted for quiet movement, helping them sneak up on prey.

Ability

Burrow Dweller

The black-footed cat can use abandoned burrows for shelter because it is too small to dig its own effectively, helping them stay safe from predators.

Measurements & details

Length
35-52 cm
Weight
1-2.5 kg
Lifespan
5-6 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Litter Size
1-4
Gestation
59-68 days

Diet & Feeding

A skilled hunter of small creatures, the black-footed cat mostly eats rodents and small birds.

Primary Foods

  • gerbils
  • mice
  • small birds
  • insects
  • reptiles

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Cape Gerbil

Tatera afra

A common prey item in its habitat.

hunts

Cape Spurfowl

Pternistis capensis

Hunts small ground-dwelling birds.

eaten by

Black-backed Jackal

Canis mesomelas

A larger predator that preys on black-footed cats.

depends on

Aardvark

Orycteropus afer

Uses abandoned burrows dug by aardvarks for shelter.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

These cats are wild animals and should be admired from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is black-footed cat?

35-52 cm

How much does black-footed cat weigh?

1-2.5 kg

How long does black-footed cat live?

5-6 years

How fast can black-footed cat move?

40 km/h

What does black-footed cat eat?

A skilled hunter of small creatures, the black-footed cat mostly eats rodents and small birds.

Where is black-footed cat usually found?

Grasslands

How does black-footed cat hunt?

Ambush

How many babies does black-footed cat usually have?

1-4

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