The black-footed cat is the smallest wild cat in South Africa.  In some parts, the cat is referred to as the “anthill tiger” due to its fierce nature when cornered. The cat is considered rare compared to other wild cats found in the region. The population of black-footed cats in the wild has been estimated at less than 14,000.

They spend most of the day resting in places where they can’t be seen, and come out at night to hunt. There are two sub-species of black-footed cats: Felis nigripes nigripes (Nambia, Botswana and some northern parts of South Africa) and Felis nigripes thomasi (southeastern Africa).

Scientific Name: Felis nigripes
Conservation Status: Vulnerable, population is declining

About the Black-footed Cat

Physical Appearance

The black-footed cat gets its name from the black coloring on the bottom of its feet. The cat has large eyes and its fur color can range from a reddish-brown to beige, with black and brown spots. Sometimes the spots will merge into ring-looking shapes. The head is considered similar in appearance to a domestic cat. Male cats weigh between 4.2 and 5.4 lbs. Females can weigh as little as 2.9 lbs. The cat has a stocky appearance, with rounded ears. It’s tail is relatively short with a black tip.

Territory

Black-footed cats live in various regions in southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, Namibia and parts of Angola. You will find most black-footed cats in dry areas, including grassy and sandy plains, as well as deserts with scrub. Some cats have also been found at elevations up to 6,600 ft. For shelter or resting during the day, the cat will dig or climb into existing burrows. For the most part, they do not climb trees.

Hunting & Prey

The black-footed cat only hunts at night.  It will begin hunting after the sun goes down, and continue hunting until sunrise. Its prey includes small animals such as rodents and small birds, as well as insects and spiders. The cat will stalk its prey and chase it out in the open. Because of black-footed cat’s stocky build, it does not climb trees. A unique characteristic of the black-footed cat (compared to other smaller wild cats) is that it will sometimes hide its prey to eat at a later point in time.

Reproduction & Lifespan

Females have one to two litters a year, with an average of two to four kittens. The kittens are moved around to new locations on a regular basis for protection. In captivity, black-footed cats have lived for up to 10 years.

Black-footed Cat Conservation Issues

Key threats include poisoning from pest controls methods, the impact of agriculture, livestock farming and ranching, roads and railroads; hunting and trapping, weather changes, declining prey population and disease. The cat is also attacked and killed by domestic dogs, owls, jackals, caracals and snakes.

 

Black-footed Cat Videos

httpv://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU47nhB-2QbYKY792suWzG9jL_V9U6BxS