Black-footed Cat

Felis nigripes

Status in the Wild: The black-footed cat is listed as endangered on the US Endangered Species list and is also an Appendix One listing in CITIES. This cat was probably never found in large numbers within its range. Its solitary nature and long maturation period, coupled with poaching for its attractive pelt have probably contributed to its decline.

Range: Southern Africa, Namibia, Botswana and southwest Zimbabwe.

Habitat: Arid areas such as the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, to grassy savannas.

Description: The black-footed cat, along with the rusty-spotted cat, is considered the smallest of the 28 species of small wild cats. Adult males have a head/body length of up to 18 inches with a seven inch tail. Adult females are somewhat smaller with a head/body length of 14 inches with a six inch tail. Weights for both sexes range from three to six pounds. The body coloration is light brown to tan with dark spots on the back. There are also dark stripes on the face and throat and dark bands or stripes on the front and hind legs. The tip of the tail is black bordered by several dark rings. The face is quite broad considering the small size of this cat. The pads of the feet are black, hence the name.

Characteristics: Black-footed cats are very solitary animals. They are primarily nocturnal but may be crepuscular. They find shelter in termite mounds or in the abandoned burrows of other mammals. The paws have fur on the soles which probably aids in moving through soft sand. Eyesight is very good and hearing is better developed than in other cats. This aids in locating prey which may be scarce in their arid habitat. They are an opportunistic predator eating a variety of insects, rodents, birds or mammals. These small cats may be very ferocious and have been observed taking prey that are larger than they are.

Gestation/Reproduction: These cats have a gestation period of about 65 days. Litters range from one to three kittens. The altricial kittens first leave their burrow in about 30 days and shortly thereafter, begin eating solid food. Although kittens grow fairly quickly, they do not reach maturity until about a year and a half.

Vocalization: This has been described as sounding like a soprano tiger. It must be so loud so that mating calls can be heard over long distances as these cats are solitary animals. When the kittens are frightened, they will scatter, hide and freeze. The female will sound the “all-clear” with a low mewing call.