Wild Cats

There are 40 recognized species of wild cats in the world.

Most people are familiar with the big and medium-sized wild cats, but few people know about the 33 smaller cats found in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation is leading the way in protecting small endangered cats.

There are 40 recognized species of wild cats in the world. Most people are familiar with the big and medium-sized cats, but few people could name the 33 smaller cats. Like their larger cousins, small cats are threatened by the loss of valuable habitat and prey, indiscriminate killing, and conflict with humans, livestock, and domestic animals.

Small cat species of the world:

South America: Andean cat, Geoffroy’s cat, Güiña, Jaguarundi, Margay, Ocelot, Oncilla (two species), and Pampas Cat.

Africa: African golden cat, African wildcat, Black-footed cat, Serval, Caracal, and Sand cat.

Asia: Asiatic golden cat, Asiatic wildcat, Bornean bay cat, Chinese mountain cat, Fishing cat, Flat-headed cat, Jungle cat, Javan Leopard cat, Leopard cat, Manul, Marbled cat, Clouded Leopord (two species), and Rusty-spotted cat.

Europe: European wildcat, Eurasian lynx, and Iberian lynx