Geoffroy’s Cat Natural History
Size
These cat can reach lengths of 45-75cm (head to body), height of 15- 25cm, with a tail length of 24-38cm and can weigh between 2- 6 kg. These cats are around the same size as domesticated cats, with the males being slightly larger than females.
Habitat and Distribution
These small cats are wide spread across South America including places like Brazil and Paraguay, from sea level to elevations as high as 3,300m. They inhabit a wide variety of different habitats including temperate and sub-tropical forests, rocky mountainous areas as well as savannah and marsh-grasslands.
Age
They can live up to 14 years old in the wild, typically longer in captivity.
Diet
They are opportunistic hunters on the ground as well as accomplished climbers too. They typically hunt animals such as small rodents and birds but are also accomplished hunters in water too so will enjoy fish and small amphibians.
Groups and Breeding
Breeding season usually occurs during the months of September and March. They reach maturity at about 1.5 years of age and after a gestation period of 72-78 days, the female will give birth to between 2 to 3 kittens. The female will give birth in a secluded den or nest to keep the small kittens safe. The kittens are solely reliant on their mother and only begin to open their eyes after around 15 – 20 days. After around 35-45 days they start to venture out of their nest and explore.
Threats
These cats are wide spread across their habitats and are considered least concern by ICUN. However, they still face threats from habitat destruction and hunting for their pelts. They also face threats from larger predators like Pumas, with whom they share most of their range.
Interesting Facts
They have flatter heads and shorted tails than domestic cats and are covered in black spots and several rings on their tails. The colour of their coat can differ depending on where in their range they live. Cats that live in the more Northern parts are more golden in colour compared to ones that can be found in the Southern parts which are more silver in colour.
Geoffroy’s Cat During Your Day Out in Kent
Here at WWP we are home to a young male Geoffroy`s Cat called Lonan. He can be found in between our Lion and Caracal enclosures opposite the lake and he enjoys a nice afternoon snooze in his nest box.
The more you know…
Want to know more about these animals? Check out our keeper blogs about them below.