Are black-footed cats scary? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. A wild cat that lives in Africa, it is said to be the smallest cat in the world and is very popular, but is it possible to keep it in captivity? Please refer to the article that summarizes what actually happens.
What is a black-footed cat? About basic status
The black-footed cat is a carnivorous animal classified in the Carnivora order, Felidae family, Felidae genus. The scientific name is Felis nigripes, and the kanji is black-footed cat. The body length is 43-52cm and the weight is 1.75-2.45kg. It is one of the smallest cats in the world, and gets its name from the black soles of its feet.
| Japanese（和名） | クロアシネコ |
| English（英名） | Black-footed cat/Small-spotted cat |
| scientific name(学名) | Felis nigripes |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、 Carnivora、Felidae、Felis 哺乳綱、食肉目、ネコ科、ネコ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 43 – 52cm |
| Weight（体重） | 1.75 – 2.45kg |
About classification
The black-footed cat is a member of the genus Felidae, but this species is composed of two further subspecies.
| Academic Name (学名) | Habit （生息地） |
| Felis nigripes nigripes Burchell | Namibia, Botswana、South Africa ナミビア、ボツワナ、南アフリカ |
| Felis nigripes thomasi Shortridge | South Africa 南アフリカ |
Felis nigripes nigripes Burchell
This species lives in Namibia, Botswana, and other countries, and its coat is light, yellowish-brown or grayish-white, with brownish-black spots.
Felis nigripes thomasi Shortridge
This species lives in central and southern South Africa and has a tan coat with jet black markings.
About the habitat of the black-footed cat
Black-footed cats live in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and even Zimbabwe, and some can even be found in Angola.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Black-footed cats have brown coats, which fade to gray in winter. The inside of the limb is white with dark brown or black spots. The soles of their feet are covered with hair and are adapted to walking on hot sand. The black-footed cat’s territory is the savannah area of the Kalahari Desert, and like the domestic cat, it prefers to be solitary and is nocturnal and active at night. During the day, they hide in burrows or behind rocks and shrubs.
What is your personality like?
Black-footed cats have fearsome personalities. They have a very ferocious personality and may attack animals even larger than themselves. They are also very wary of humans and tend to run away quickly, making them unsuitable as pets.
What is the ecology of the black-footed cat?
Black-footed cats live on small animals such as mice, small birds, reptiles, and insects. Breeding takes place from November to December. The gestation period is about two months, and one litter can give birth to two puppies. After about a year, the young will become territorial. Their lifespan is around 10 years in the wild, but it is said to be over 15 years in captivity.
What are the natural enemies of the black-footed cat?
The black-footed cat’s natural enemies are most carnivores. Because this cat itself is so small, it can be preyed upon by all large animals.
Is the black-footed cat an endangered species?
The black-footed cat is listed as an endangered species. It is also listed in Appendix I of the Washington Convention, and its international trade is severely restricted. It is protected in most of its range, including Botswana and South Africa. Their population is decreasing due to the following reasons:
habitat destruction
Habitat destruction is progressing, especially in South Africa, and as land development progresses, the cat’s habitat is being shrunk and fragmented. This reduces the number of places they can hide and increases their chances of being preyed upon.
Decline in the population of black-legged rabbits
Black-footed cats are carnivores, so they cannot survive without preying on animals. The decline in the population of the black-legged rabbit, which is their favorite food, is having a big impact. Survival is difficult because food in this area is dwindling.
Can black-footed cats be kept?
Black-footed cats are an endangered species, and international trade is strictly restricted, making it extremely difficult for the average person to keep them. Furthermore, black-footed cats have a very ferocious personality, so they don’t easily get attached to humans, so be careful if you really want to keep them.
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