Black-footed Cat (Felis nigripes) Information and Facts

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.

Video: Wildlife Wonder - Black-footed Cats by 5050 Community (10 mins)

Black-footed Cat Videos

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.