The 5 smallest felines in the world: they’re not even the size of a house cat

The list was compiled taking into account the maximum and minimum estimated body weights of the animals, but it was not an easy task. On the one hand, there are a lot of very similar-sized species among felids, and on the other hand, there are often large differences in size between different sources. In addition, there can be large differences in size between individuals from different parts of the range. Nevertheless, we have tried to be as accurate as possible.

Although most of the attention and funding is focused on big cats, there are 33 equally impressive species of small wild cats. Many are a fraction of the size of, for example, the male tigers which can weigh up to 270 kilograms. Although some small wildcats can be quite large – for example the eurasian lynx sometimes grows larger than the snow leopard – the 5 smallest species are usually not even as big as the average domestic cat when fully grown. But without further ado, here are the smallest felines (or rather, felidae)!

The world’s smallest felines

1.) Rusty-spotted Cat

Weight: 0,9-1,6 kg

The rusty-spotted cat has a very restricted range; it is native to southern India and some parts of Sri Lanka but has recently been sighted in more northern parts of India and Nepal. Like most feral cats, the tusty-spotted cat lives a hidden life. Although they are kept in zoos around the world, we know very little about their habits and lifestyle. Experience shows that despite these qualities, they are still very easy to habituate in captivity. They are also a species that can develop deeper relationships with their caretakers. Even allowing themselves to be petted and handled. They have been reported that they often behave like domestic cats as a result of the intimate relationship.

They hunt rodents and smaller birds on the ground but often supplement their diet with reptiles. The rusty spotted cats flee from predators up into trees. They prefer to attack their prey using a special technique: they wait for the right moment to pounce on their prey by crouching in a tree or bush. Because they are small, agile and nimble, they are often referred to as the feline hummingbirds.

2.) Black-footed cat

Weight: 1,1-2,45 kg

If they may not hold the title of the world’s smallest cat, they certainly are the black-footed cat the smallest feline in Africa. Unfortunately, they have been endangered since 2002. They are estimated that there are currently only around 10,000 individuals in the wild. Presumably, because they are hunted for both their meat and their fur, and they are often preyed upon by stray dogs in the area.

If you observe the cat carefully, it is very easy to call it black-legged, as the colouring is only on the back of the legs. However, this is not where it gets its name, but from the sooty colour of its paw pads.

They are considered one of the world’s most lethal killers, with a 60% success rate, and will take pretty much anything that moves. Just to give you something to compare them to, lions can achieve a 30% success rate in a group and 17% when alone. The science of domestic cats boosts their share to 32%.

The Felis nigripes can catch more prey in a single night than a leopard in 6 months or could lay 10-14 victims, to be precise, on their proverbial table at the end of the night. Their effectiveness lies in their sophisticated hearing and vision, and the fact that they can capture prey in 3 different ways, depending on the circumstances. For example, they have been observed on several occasions waiting by their burrow with their eyes closed, but their ears are constantly moving and they only open their eyes when the sound indicates that they may strike.

3.) Flat-headed cat

Weight: 1,5-2,5 kg

The flat-headed cat is native to Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. They are on the Red List, in the endangered category. Unfortunately, their habitat is disappearing due to oil palm plantations, agricultural expansion, overfishing and water pollution.

They hunt in wetlands and marshy areas, to which they are well adapted. Their strikingly long and sharp teeth and muscular jaws are all designed to grip wet prey effectively on slippery ground. They are also aided by their claws, which can only be partially retracted; about 2/3 of them are always sticking out. Like the fishing cat, the flat-headed cat has a fine web-like webbing between their fingers, which helps it to navigate in marshy areas and shallow water. They have also been observed that, like raccoons, they often wash their food in the water. Although a large part of their diet consists of fish, they do not swim but simply dive for prey.

Although they are very difficult to observe due to their cryptic lifestyle and increasingly small numbers, researchers believe they may be crepuscular, i.e. active at dusk and before sunrise. This theory is supported by the close placement of their eyes.

4.) Kodkod

Weight: 2-2,5 kg

Kodkod is the smallest cat species native to South America. They are found mainly in central and southern Chile and neighbouring areas of Argentina. They have a vulnerable status according to the Red List. The small felines are essentially characterised by their secretiveness and reclusive, cryptic nature. In the case of the kodkod, these are compounded by the species’ high level of threat. So it’s no wonder that we know almost nothing about this spotted cat. What is certain, however, is that the disappearance of their habitat and prey, as well as their hunting, is taking a heavy toll on the population.
Interestingly, it has been observed that the kodkod is neither truly crepuscular, diurnal, nor nocturnal, as is so uncommon in felines. They can be active at any time of the day, but during the day they spend much of their time resting in their safe shelter. However, it seems certain that they will avoid open areas at night.

Many big cats and small wildcats have a white patch on the back of their ears, and the kodkod is no exception. Some researchers believe it helps cubs when they are very young. If they follow these spots, they won’t lose sight of their mum. Others think it plays a role in aggression towards their mates. Still, others speculate that it makes the animal appear more fearsome to other predators and prey because they look like they have eyes in the front and back.

5.) Oncilla

Weight: 1,5-3 kg

The oncilla, the tiger cat, is native to Central and South America and unfortunately has a vulnerable status. There may be another explanation for this besides their hunting and habitat loss. According to scientists, they are generally solitary, only interacting with their conspecifics during mating season. In most cases, females give birth to one or up to three kittens, which they rear until they are only 4 months old. However, oncilla kittens do not reach sexual maturity until they are 2 years old. After weaning, the mother plays no role in the survival of the kittens. The father has absolutely no care or contact with the mother. As a result, their reproductive rate is extremely low, which partly explains why these beautiful felines are so rare. Even though they have very few natural predators.

It was recently discovered that there are probably two subspecies of tiger cat, the northern and the southern. Although there is little difference in appearance and they share a habitat, it is suspected that they cannot interbreed. This is odd, if only because it seems that with the pampas cat, they find common ground all too well. If you know what we mean… As a result, the number of pure-blooded individuals of the species is declining. This also threatens their prospects for the future.