The Geoffroy’s cat is a small wild cat that inhabits South America. It is similar in size to a large domestic cat. The cat’s fur has spots and there are teardrop streaks near its eyes.

The cat’s name comes from a 19th century French naturalist Etienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire.

Scientific Name: Leopardus geoffroyi

Conservation Status: Least Concern

More About the Geoffroy’s Cat

Physical Appearance

The fur of the Geoffroy’s cat is tawny to grey with spots. The cat has two teardrop looking streaks on its cheeks and dark-colored triangular patches under its eyes. The back of the cat’s ears are dark with a white spot. It has a short tail compared to other small wild cats, with a somewhat flat head. All-black (melanistic) Geoffroy’s cats have frequently been observed.

Habitat (Where the Geoffroy’s Cat Lives)

The Geoffroy’s cat can be found throughout Chile, Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina, as well as Paraguay. They are often seen in dry areas with dense vegetation, including forests, grasslands, savannas, woodlands, steppes and semi-deserts. The Geoffroy’s cat usually shares its territory with the pampas cat and puma (cougar).

These nocturnal cats are good climbers, but spend most of their time on the ground. The Geoffroy’s cat is also considered an extremely good swimmer.

Hunting & Prey (Diet)

The Geoffroy’s cat has a varied diet depending on where it lives. It feeds on small rodents, birds, hares, frogs, fish remains and reptiles.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Kittens are born from December to May. Gestation is 72 to 78 days.

Conservation Threats

The Geoffroy’s cat survival in the wild is threated by habitat loss, the fragmentation of their habitat, and retaliation killing. 

From the 1960s to the 1980s, cats were killed in large numbers for their fur.