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The Top 10 Smallest Wild Cats in the World, conclusion

Published on 09/22/2024
By: scouthoward
9
346
Nature
10
Domesticated cats are some of the most popular pets in the world, but did you know about the range of small cats? We often think of huge beasts when we think of wild felines and small versions when we think of domesticated cats. But just as house felines can be big, their wild counterparts can be small, with some being as tiny as kittens even when they're fully grown. AZ Animals is the source for this short two-part series.
1. Oncilla or Little Spotted Cat (Leopardus tigrinus): The Oncilla has a habitat range spanning from Costa Rica and Panama in Central America to southern Brazil. Compared to other small wild species, it hunts small mammals, birds, and reptiles, but prefers doing so on the ground rather than in trees. It is the second smallest species in the Americas. The northern oncilla and the southern oncilla species are distinct and do not interbreed with each other. Are you familiar with Oncillas?

Oncilla or Little Spotted Cat (Leopardus tigrinus): The Oncilla has a habitat range spanning from Costa Rica and Panama in Central America to southern Brazil. Compared to other small wild species, it hunts small mammals, birds, and reptiles, but prefers doing so on the ground rather than in trees. It is the second smallest species in the Americas. The northern oncilla and the southern oncilla species are distinct and do not interbreed with each other. Are you familiar with Oncillas?
2. Flat-headed Cat (Prionailurus planiceps): This particular species owes its strange appearance due to physical adaptations for its semi-aquatic lifestyle, with partially webbed feet, a flattened forehead, and very long, sharp canine teeth. Unfortunately, it is one of the most endangered cats in Southeast Asia. Have you heard about flat-headed cats before this survey?

Flat-headed Cat (Prionailurus planiceps): This particular species owes its strange appearance due to physical adaptations for its semi-aquatic lifestyle, with partially webbed feet, a flattened forehead, and very long, sharp canine teeth. Unfortunately, it is one of the most endangered cats in Southeast Asia. Have you heard about flat-headed cats before this survey?
3. Guiña or Kodkod (Leopardus guigna): This is the smallest species in the Americas, with a habitat range of Central and Southern Chile, plus bordering areas of Argentina. Although it's an agile climber, it prefers hunting on the ground for small mammals, birds, lizards, and insects. When they climb trees, it helps them identify the prey below. They also do this to take shelter and avoid predators. These solitary cats can be identified by their very thick tails and large feet and claws in relation to their body size. Have you ever seen this small wildcat in its natural setting?

Guiña or Kodkod (Leopardus guigna): This is the smallest species in the Americas, with a habitat range of Central and Southern Chile, plus bordering areas of Argentina. Although it's an agile climber, it prefers hunting on the ground for small mammals, birds, lizards, and insects. When they climb trees, it helps them identify the prey below. They also do this to take shelter and avoid predators. These solitary cats can be identified by their very thick tails and large feet and claws in relation to their body size. Have you ever seen this small wildcat in its natural setting?
4. Black-Footed or Small Spotted Cat (Felis nigripes): This native to South Africa is the smallest wild cat on the entire continent. Known for having the highest hunting success rate among all cats, it was once referred to as the "deadliest cat on earth" and can consume up to 14 prey items in one night. Are you familiar with Black-Footed or Small Spotted Cats?

Black-Footed or Small Spotted Cat (Felis nigripes): This native to South Africa is the smallest wild cat on the entire continent. Known for having the highest hunting success rate among all cats, it was once referred to as the
5. Rusty Spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus): The rusty-spotted cat competes with the black-footed one in tiny size, but it takes the prize as the smallest wild cat in the world. It's about the size of an 8-week-old domestic cat kitten. Both have been confused for washed-out versions of the leopard cat and are smaller than the domestic animal. Native to the deciduous forests of India and Sri Lanka, it is notable for its big eyes, tiny, agile body, and a 50/50 lifestyle on the ground and in trees. Before today's survey, were you aware that Rusty Spotted Cats were the world's smallest wild cat?

Rusty Spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus): The rusty-spotted cat competes with the black-footed one in tiny size, but it takes the prize as the smallest wild cat in the world. It's about the size of an 8-week-old domestic cat kitten. Both have been confused for washed-out versions of the leopard cat and are smaller than the domestic animal. Native to the deciduous forests of India and Sri Lanka, it is notable for its big eyes, tiny, agile body, and a 50/50 lifestyle on the ground and in trees. Before today's survey, were you aware that Rusty Spotted Cats were the world's smallest wild cat?
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