Black-footed Cat: A Tiny and Ferocious Predator

Although black-footed cats resemble domestic cats, they're not suitable for pethood. slowmotiongli / Shutterstock

In the vast wilds of southern Africa, one of the fiercest hunters is also one of the tiniest. Meet the black-footed cat, also known as Felis nigripes. This small spotted cat may look like a house pet, but its stocky body, short tail and stealthy hunting skills place it among the most formidable of the wild cats.

Small Cat, Big Personality

Can you spot both black-footed cats in this image? StarManPhotography / Shutterstock

Native to the arid grasslands and scrub of the Northern Cape Province and regions like the Benfontein Nature Reserve, the black-footed cat is one of the smallest cat species in the world.

With a body length of just 14 to 20 inches (36 to 52 cm), a short black-tipped tail, and low-set, rounded ears, this tiny cat is adapted for stealth.

Despite its small size, this wild feline has a strong presence. Its dark brown or tawny coat is covered in black spots and rings that help it blend into dense cover or crouch in the shadow of termite mounds. These adaptations are essential for life in hot sand and sparse vegetation.

What Do Black-footed Cats Eat?

Black-footed cats are strictly carnivorous, with a hunting success rate that surpasses many larger carnivores. They hunt small birds, rodents and other small vertebrates.

Some researchers have dubbed this feline the "anthill tiger" because of its efficient hunting strategy and ability to take down prey species larger than itself.

cat — Felis negripes is a nighttime hunter.
Gallo Images-Dave Hamman / Getty Images

They hunt at night and can travel several miles in search of food. Males, in particular, maintain large home ranges and mark territory using scent marking.

Radio collars used in tracking studies have shown that they prefer areas with dense vegetation and are often seen near prey-rich zones with small rodents and birds.

Interestingly, black-footed cats don’t often drink water directly. Instead, they get most of their hydration from the prey they consume. Their body size and metabolic adaptations allow them to survive extended periods without free-standing water.

Reproduction and Development

The black-footed cat faces many threats, including habitat loss and predation by larger animals like black-backed jackals and domestic dogs. Still, it continues to survive, thanks to its elusive nature and effective reproductive strategy.

Females may raise one to four kittens per litter, with the dependent kittens staying close to their mother. It’s common for females to have up to two litters a year.

Kittens are born with their eyes closed and open them around 10 days old. The mother shelters them in burrows or abandoned termite mounds to keep them safe from other carnivores.

Males may mate with one to four females and, though generally solitary, they occasionally cross paths in overlapping territories. The black-footed cat's small size means its young are especially vulnerable in the wild.

Conservation and Research

Listed as a vulnerable species, the black-footed cat is included in the international studbook, and breeding programs are active at institutions like Wuppertal Zoo. Organizations such as the Cat Specialist Group are working to protect this feline.

Conservationists rely on tracking, field observations and camera traps to understand its natural habitat and behavior. Ongoing research in places like the Kimberley region aims to protect the species by highlighting its ecological importance and limited range.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.