At a glance
- IUCN category
- VU · Vulnerable
- Animal group
- Mammals
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The black-footed cat is one of the smallest wild cats in the world and a remarkably effective hunter. It is assessed as Vulnerable.
Despite its tiny size, it hunts intensively through the night.
Range & habitat
Dry grasslands and scrub of southern Africa.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Habitat degradation
- Indirect poisoning and persecution
- Loss of prey
Why it matters
A tiny but ferociously effective hunter of African drylands, the black-footed cat is a flagship for conserving southern Africa's grassland and scrub.
Sources
Sources for Black-footed Cat
- IUCN Red List — look up Black-footed Cat (authoritative status)
- Animal Diversity Web
Frequently Asked Questions
How small is the black-footed cat?
It is among the smallest of all wild cats, weighing only one to two kilograms, yet it is an intense and successful nocturnal hunter of small prey.
Why is the black-footed cat Vulnerable?
Published assessments cite habitat degradation, indirect poisoning and persecution, and loss of prey. See the IUCN Red List for the current assessment.
Last updated: