The Black-footed Cat (Felis nigripes) is the second smallest cat species in the world and the smallest African cat, weighing a maximum of only 2.5 kgs. The coat is covered with small dark spots and the cat has a short face similar to domestic cats.
The Black-footed Cat is named after the black undersides of its feet and it is also called the Small Spotted Cat after its tiny size and spotted coat.
In Afrikaans (South Africa) the cat is called a miershooptier, which means "Anthill Tiger", as it often makes its den in abandoned termite mounds (ant hills) and has a ferocious demeanour.
The Black-footed Cat lives in the semi-arid regions of southern Africa and obtains all its moisture from its food, requiring minimal to no drinking water.
Image: Black-footed Cat by Gerald Hinde from the book Cats of Africa with permission.
UNIQUE FACTS
* Smallest African cat *
* Endemic to Southern Africa *
* No drinking water *
Black-Footed Cat (Felis nigripes) Fact Sheet
This summary fact sheet is available as a one page or two page pdf and is based on these references. Follow the buttons to more detailed information on each topic. Permission is granted to use the fact sheets for personal or educational use - kindly credit www.CatsForAfrica.co.za.
NAME & STATUS
Common Names
Black-footed Cat
Small Spotted Cat
Scientific Name
Felis nigripes
Subspecies
None
IUCN Red List Status
VU Vulnerable
IDENTIFICATION
Appearance
Half size domestic cat
Similar looking domestic cat
Coat
Body - small black spots
Legs - stripes, Soles - black
Tail - rings, black tip
Head
Broad skull, diagonal facial lines
Ears - plain, slightly rounded
SIZE
Weight
Males: 1.5 to 2.45 kg
Females: 1.0 to 1.6 kg
Head + Body Length
Males: 36.7 to 52.0 cm
Females: 35.3 to 41.5 cm
Tail Length
12 to 20 cm
DISTRIBUTION
Range
Southern Africa:
South Africa
Botswana
Namibia
Habitat
Savanna - Dry
Grassland - Subtropical
Desert - Hot
LIFE CYCLE
63 - 68 days
Litter Size
1 - 2 kittens (max 4)
Sub-Adult
3 - 4 months
Maturity
Females 7 mths - Males 9 mths
Lifespan
8 yrs wild - 16 yrs captivity
DIET / PREY
Major to Minor by Weight
Mammals - small rodents
Small birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Invertebrates
Scavenge - Yes
Hunting Success Rate
60%
BEHAVIOUR
Activity
Solitary
Nocturnal
Territorial
Inhabits burrows or anthills
Avg Range Size
Females 8.6 km²
Males 16.1 km²
Density 16.7 cats / 100 km²
TAXONOMY
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Suborder: Feliformia
Family: Felidae
Subfamily: Felinae
Genus: Felis
Species: Felis nigripes
Subspecies: none
Black-footed Cat Classification »
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Video: Wildlife Wonder - Black-footed Cats by 5050 Community (10 mins)
Further Information
The following professional organizations have further information on Black-footed Cats:- Conservation Status - IUCN Red List
- Detailed Account - IUCN Cat Specialist Group
- Academic Literature pdf - IUCN Cat Specialist Group
- Overview - International Society for Endangered Cats (ISEC)
- Working Group - Research South Africa
Please be aware there are many websites about animals that do not necessarily have accurate information. Always check for their list of references and if there isn't one, or they cannot provide one, the content is likely just copied from elsewhere and probably not too reliable.