Types of Wild Cats
The domestic cat is undoubtedly an amazing pet to have. But he has some cousins and other relatives from the Felidae family that are equally awesome: Wild cats.
It is pretty cool to think that every time your cat yawns or stretches, these wild beasts do it the same way. Check out this list of some of the most well-known wild cats and their characteristics.
African Wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica)
The African Wildcat is found everywhere in Africa and southern Asia. It is capable of living in a wide range of habitats. His coat is gray with yellow areas and some faint stripes on the back and legs.
Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
These wild cats live in North America. They can be found from southern Canada all the way through northern Mexico. The coloration of his coat varies depending on the zone he is at. This ranges from a dull grayish yellow to a more intense yellow.
Canadian Lynx (Lynx canadensis)
The trademarks of the Canadian Lynx are his large furry feet and black ear tufts. Other than this, his size and appearance are very similar to that of the Bobcat. This wild cat’s habitat is usually covered with snow. His specialized big paws and long hind legs allow him to hunt in these conditions.
Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
This tall and slim cat is the fastest land animal. It can reach speeds of up to 75 mph (120 km/h). They live in sub-Saharan Africa in small populations.
Chinese Mountain Cat (Felis bieti/Felis silvestris bieti)
This wild cat is found in western China. He sports a thick tail with black rings and a pale yellow-gray coat. Also known as the Chinese Desert Cat, it can live in forests and deserts.
Jaguar (Panthera onca)
The jaguar is the largest cat in the Americas. This is one large and powerful predator living in North, Central, and South America.
Leopard (Panthera pardus)
This big cat is found in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and some parts of Russia. It looks a lot like the Jaguar, only the stripes are different and his body is slender.
Lion (Panthera leo)
The “King of the Jungle” is the second largest cat in the world. They mostly inhabit eastern and southern Africa. Their trademark: the mane sported by males.
Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
The Ocelot is known as the “dwarf leopard“. He is usually found in Central and South America.
Puma (Puma concolor)
This one is also known as Cougar or Mountain Lion. The Puma is a large wild cat that can be found in North and South America. They are the second largest wild cat of the new world, after the Jaguar.
Tiger (Panthera tigris)
We finish our list with the largest cat of them all. Full of strength and majesty, the tiger has a golden-orange coat with characteristic black stripes used as camouflage. It can be found in a large range of habitats. Due to its popularity and beauty, this wild cat is an endangered species.
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