Black-footed Cat - Characteristics

Characteristics

The black-footed cat is one of the smallest cat species. Adult resident males weigh on average 1.9 kg (4.2 lb) and a maximum of 2.45 kg (5.4 lb). Adult resident females weigh on average 1.3 kilograms (2.9 lb) and a maximum of 1.65 kg (3.6 lb). Males reach a head-to-body length of 36.7 to 43.3 cm (14.4 to 17.0 in) with a 16.4 to 19.8 cm (6.5 to 7.8 in) long tail. Females are smaller with a maximum head-to-body-length of 36.9 cm (14.5 in) and a 12.6 to 17.0 cm (5.0 to 6.7 in) long tail. The shoulder height is about 25 centimetres (9.8 in).

Only the pads and underparts of its feet are black. It is this characteristic that gives the black-footed cat its name. The fur varies in colour from cinnamon-buff to tawny, and is patterned with black or brown spots that merge to form rings on the legs, neck, and tail. The skin, however, is unpigmented pink, unlike that of other spotted cats. The backs of the rounded ears are the same color as the background coat color. The eyes are very large.