Wild Cat Types Pictures: A Comprehensive Guide to All Species

Wild cats are incredibly diverse, with over 40 species spread across the globe. The smallest wild cat is the rusty-spotted cat, which weighs in at just 2.6 pounds.

These majestic creatures can be found in various habitats, from the frozen tundras of the Arctic to the scorching deserts of North Africa. The snow leopard, for example, is perfectly adapted to its high-altitude home in the Himalayas.

Some wild cat species are solitary and nocturnal, while others are diurnal and social. The lion, known as the "king of the jungle", is a social animal that lives in prides.

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The Felidae family is a fascinating group of animals. There are 41 species of cats within this family.

Felidae is divided into two subfamilies: Pantherinae and Felinae. Pantherinae is home to large, powerful wild cats like the tiger and lion.

Felinae includes medium-sized or smaller cat species, such as the lynx and ocelot. The mountain lion and cheetah are notable exceptions within Felinae, as they can be as large as or larger than some Pantherinae members.

The cat family Felidae is part of the larger Carnivora order, which also includes dogs, bears, seals, and weasels.

The African wild cat is a species found throughout much of Africa and also in Western Asia. It's adaptable and can survive in a wide range of habitats.

One of the most notable features of the African wild cat is its pale gray coat with faint stripes and a white underside. Its ears often have small tufts.

Here's a list of some of the key facts about the African wild cat:

It's worth noting that the African wild cat is smaller and has shorter fur than the wildcat, and is found in hill and mountainous regions.

The African continent is home to a diverse range of wild cat species. The African Golden Cat is a rare and elusive species found in the rainforests of central Africa.

One of the most distinctive features of the African Golden Cat is its golden-brown to silver-grey fur, covered in faint spots. Its size is around twice that of a domestic cat.

The African Golden Cat is considered vulnerable due to its limited range and habitat loss. Conservation efforts are essential to protect this species.

The African Wildcat, on the other hand, is found throughout much of Africa and also in Western Asia. It's a highly adaptable species, thriving in a wide range of habitats.

Here's a comparison of the two species:

The African Wildcat is smaller and has shorter fur than its European cousin, with pale gray fur and faint stripes. It's also found in hill and mountainous regions, but can adapt to a wide range of habitats.

If you're interested in spotting the African Wildcat in the wild, consider visiting Kapama Reserve near Kruger National Park in South Africa or Kafue National Park in Zambia.

The serval is a mid-sized African species of wild cat found mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa. It inhabits a variety of habitats, but is absent from rainforests and deserts.

The serval's coat is a pale sandy color and covered in large black spots, some of which merge into lines. Its legs are incredibly long for its size, making it one of the most distinctive features of this cat.

The serval preys mainly on small vertebrates like rodents, but will also take animals as large as small antelopes. Its diet is quite varied.

Here are some key facts about the serval:

The serval is capable of leaping up to 3.6m to land precisely on its prey, even with its eyes closed. This incredible feline is well adapted to its environment.

The serval's large ears are another distinguishing feature, and are necessary for locating prey in the tall grass where it lives.

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South American Wild Cats are a diverse group, with several species calling the continent home. The Andean Mountain Cat, for example, is a small, sandy-grey cat found in mountainous regions of Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina.

The Andean Mountain Cat's main prey is the mountain viscacha, a chinchilla-like rodent. This secretive wild cat is very rarely seen, and its population is estimated to include fewer than 1,500 mature individuals.

The Kodkod, or Guiña, is the smallest wild cat species of the Americas, with a maximum weight of just 2.5 kg (5.5 lb.). Its coat is gray-gold with black spots, and it has a thick tail marked with black rings.

Here are some of the South American wild cats mentioned in the article:

The Ocelot is probably the most common wild cat in South America, found across the continent, Central America, Mexico, and Southern Texas.

The Andean Mountain cat is a small, sandy-grey cat with faint stripes on its body and darker stripes on its tail, found in the mountainous regions of Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina.

Its main prey is the mountain viscacha, a chinchilla-like rodent, which it hunts in the steep, arid, sparsely vegetated, and rocky terrain of the Andes.

The Andean Mountain cat is listed as Endangered due to hunting, habitat loss, and the loss of prey animals, with an estimated population of fewer than 1,500 mature individuals.

Its conservation status is a concern, and efforts are needed to protect this rare and secretive wild cat.

Here are some key facts about the Andean Mountain cat:

The jaguarundi is a small wild cat species native to the Americas, with a slender, elongated body and short legs. Its long, tapering tail is a distinctive feature of this species.

Jaguarundis have a variable coat color, ranging from reddish-brown to grayish-black, with some individuals appearing almost entirely black. Their face is rounded with small, rounded ears and large eyes.

These agile hunters thrive in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and scrublands, and are primarily solitary. Their diet consists of small mammals, birds, and insects.

Jaguarundis are occasionally seen as far north as Texas, but most sightings happen in South America. They are generally accidental sightings, often made during the day.

Here's a quick fact about the jaguarundi's appearance: it's often mistaken for a member of the Mustelidae family, which includes weasels, badgers, and otters. This led early German zoologists to refer to the species as the "weasel cat."

The kodkod is the smallest wild cat species of the Americas, weighing in at just 2.5 kg (5.5 lb.).

Its coat is a beautiful gray-gold color with black spots, and its thick tail is marked with black rings.

The kodkod's diet consists mainly of rodents, but it will also take a wide range of small vertebrates.

In its native habitat, the kodkod is a capable climber, but it usually hunts on the forest floor.

The kodkod is found in temperate rainforests in Chile and parts of Argentina, where its natural habitat has become severely fragmented.

Here are some key facts about the kodkod:

The ocelot is a striking, medium-sized wild cat found in south and central America, occasionally sighted as far north as southern Texas. It inhabits various habitats, from dense rainforests to arid grasslands.

The ocelot has a slender, graceful body with a distinctive coat pattern, featuring a background of tawny or yellowish fur adorned with black rosettes and spots. Around twice the size of a domestic cat, its size is quite impressive.

Here's a breakdown of the ocelot's habitat and distribution:

The ocelot is primarily nocturnal, preying on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one on a night drive in the right habitat.

Barro Colorado Island in Panama has the highest ocelot population in the world. If you're planning a trip to spot ocelots, this is a great place to start.

Ocelot kittens are born blind, but after about a month, their eyes finally open and they start to develop different colors on their fur.

The oncilla is a small wild cat species native to Central and South America. It's closely related to the ocelot and margay.

This cat has a distinctive appearance, with a dappled coat of rich tawny or grayish-brown fur adorned with dark spots and rosettes. Its large, expressive eyes and rounded ears make it a striking sight.

Oncillas are mainly nocturnal, preying on small mammals, birds, and insects. They're solitary hunters, which makes them challenging to spot in their preferred habitats.

These cats are found in a variety of environments, from tropical rainforests to montane forests. They're similar in size to a domestic cat, weighing between 2.2 and 4.1 kg (5 and 9 lb.).

Some of the best places to look for an oncilla include Ecuador, particularly the Bellavista Lodge and Cabanas San Isidro Lodge. They can also be found in the Brazilian Pantanal.

Here are some key facts about the oncilla:

The margay is a small wild cat found in South America and Central America, including countries like Brazil, Peru, and Mexico. It's similar in appearance to the ocelot, but is smaller, with a pale-yellow coat and numerous black spots.

One of the most distinctive features of the margay is its ability to climb trees. In fact, it spends most of its life in the trees, and is even capable of hunting entirely in the trees. This is due to its flexible ankle joint, which allows it to climb down trees head-first.

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The margay is a skilled climber, and is often found resting in trees. However, it does most of its hunting on the ground.

Here are some key facts about the margay:

The margay's unique characteristics make it a challenging species to spot, but with the right knowledge and location, it's possible to catch a glimpse of this amazing cat. Wildsumaco Lodge in Ecuador is reportedly a good place to look for margays.

The colocolo is a small wild cat species found in various countries including Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Ecuador.

It was previously recognized as three different species: the colocolo, the Pantanal cat, and the Pampas cat, but a recent revision of the Felidae family taxonomy by the Cat Specialist Group combined them into a single species.

The colocolo is known to range throughout most of Argentina and Uruguay, with its territory extending into neighboring countries.

The puma is a large and impressive cat species found in South America, Mexico, the United States, and parts of Southern Canada. Its scientific name is Puma concolor.

The puma, also known as a mountain lion or cougar, is not considered a big cat because it cannot roar. It's actually the second-largest cat of the Americas, with the jaguar being the largest.

You can find pumas in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts. They're stealthy ambush predators that primarily prey on deer.

One of the best places to see pumas in their natural habitat is Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. This park offers a unique opportunity to observe pumas and learn about their behavior.

Here are some alternative names for the puma:

Asian wild cats are found in various parts of the continent, with some species having a wide range of habitats. The Asian golden cat, for example, can be found in forests, savannas, shrublands, and grasslands.

The jungle cat, on the other hand, has a pale, grey-brown coat and is found throughout much of Asia. It's a versatile predator that preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Some notable Asian wild cat species include the Asian golden cat, the jungle cat, the Sunda clouded leopard, the fishing cat, and the African and Asiatic wildcat. Here's a brief overview of their habitats and characteristics:

These are just a few examples of the many fascinating Asian wild cat species. Each one has its unique characteristics and adaptations that allow it to thrive in its respective habitat.

The Pallas's cat, also known as the Manul, is a remarkable species found in Central Asia. It has the longest and thickest fur of any cat species.

Its luxurious coat is perfectly adapted to the harsh, cold environments it inhabits. The rocky terrain provides shelter in caves, rock crevices, or even marmot burrows, which the Pallas's cat uses to its advantage.

One of the best places to spot a Pallas's cat is on the Ruoergai grassland on the Tibetan Plateau at the northern tip of China's Sichuan province. The grassland's unique landscape makes it an ideal habitat for these elusive cats.

Pallas's cats are not built for running; instead, they rely on their ability to remain undetected. When disturbed, they freeze and become virtually invisible against the grey rocky landscape.

Here are some key facts about the Pallas's cat:

Pallas's cats are skilled hunters, primarily preying on small mammals and birds. Their stocky bodies, short legs, and flat, rounded faces make them well-suited to their high-altitude habitats.

Their distinctive appearance, with a range of colors from pale gray to yellowish-brown, marked by irregular dark spots and stripes, gives them a unique, almost comical appearance.

The jungle is home to a fascinating wild cat species found throughout much of Asia. The jungle cat is a mid-sized wild cat.

It has a pale, grey-brown unmarked coat and a faintly ringed tail. This coat coloration helps it blend in with its surroundings.

The jungle cat stands around 40 cm (16 in) tall and weighs between 4–16 kg (9–35 lb.). Its size allows it to tackle a variety of prey.

Here are some of its favorite foods:

The Asiatic Golden Cat is a mid-sized wild cat found in Southeast Asia, with a wide but patchy distribution from India to Malaysia. It's a rarely seen cat, and accidental sightings have occurred in Indonesia.

This cat's coat is typically golden-red, but a wide range of other color varieties are known, including ocelot-like rosettes. Some individuals have distinctive markings on their face with white patches and black lines on the cheeks and forehead.

The Asiatic Golden Cat is a skilled hunter, able to bring down prey many times its own size, like young water buffalo calves. They're good climbers, but spend most of their time on the ground.

Here are some key facts about the Asiatic Golden Cat:

The Asiatic Golden Cat's habitat includes forests, savannas, shrublands, and grasslands. They're most active around dawn and dusk and during daylight hours.

The Bay cat is a small, endangered wild cat endemic to the Southeast Asian island of Borneo. It's closely related to the Asiatic golden cat.

The Bay cat grows to a maximum of around 4kg / 9 lb, roughly the size of a domestic cat. Its coat is a deep red-brown color with faint spots on the body and patches of white on the face.

You can find the Bay cat in the forests of Borneo, where its population is sadly decreasing. The species is thought to be decreasing due to widespread deforestation in the region.

Here's a quick rundown of the Bay cat's conservation status: it's listed as Endangered, with a population of around 2,200 mature adults.

The Flat-Headed Cat is a small, endangered species found in Southeast Asia.

It has a distinctive long, 'flattened' head and small, rounded ears, and its body is grey and unmarked.

This cat is an excellent swimmer and has adaptations for hunting in the water, including claws that don't fully retract and semi-webbed feet.

The Flat-Headed Cat is threatened by the destruction of riverine forest habitats due to oil palm plantations, human settlements, and agriculture.

Here are some key facts about the Flat-Headed Cat:

They primarily feed on fish, using their long teeth to capture their prey.

The Flat-Headed Cat is one of the smallest small cats in the world, weighing only 2-3 kg (4-6 lbs), and is found in the wetlands and tropical rainforests of peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo.

Geoffroy's cat is a small wild cat found in Southern South America, with a range stretching from southern Bolivia to the Straits of Magellan. It's about the size of a domestic cat and has a pale gold coat with dark spots and a ringed tail.

Geoffroy's cat is not currently threatened, and its population is stable, unlike some other wild cat species. Its typical habitat includes woodlands, savannas, and the Pampas, a vast lowland grassland system.

One of the unique characteristics of Geoffroy's cat is its ability to stand upright, using its tail for balance to scan its surroundings. This makes it a fascinating species to observe in the wild.

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If you're interested in spotting a Geoffroy's cat, El Palmar National Park in Argentina is a good place to look. However, due to its preference for dense habitat, it can be difficult to spot.

Here are some key facts about Geoffroy's cat:

The snow leopard is a majestic creature that roams the mountains of central and south Asia. Its pale yellow-white coat marked with dark rosettes helps it blend in with its surroundings.

Despite its name, the snow leopard is more closely related to the tiger than the leopard. Its long, thick fur retains heat, and its large feet enable it to walk over snow without sinking.

The snow leopard is found in one of the most inhospitable environments on Earth – the high-altitude mountain ranges of Central Asia. It has a wide distribution range, which was a factor in its downgrading from Endangered to Vulnerable by the IUCN in 2017.

There are estimated to be between 3,920 and 6,390 snow leopards left in the wild. The Snow Leopard Trust disputed the decision on the basis of a lack of scientific data to support it.

The Sunda clouded leopard is a separate species from the clouded leopard, identified in 2006. It's native to the Southeast Asian islands of Sumatra and Borneo.

The Sunda clouded leopard has a medium-sized, muscular body with a striking coat pattern consisting of large, cloud-like spots and rosettes on a golden-yellow to grayish background.

This elusive wild cat is primarily solitary and nocturnal, preying on various small to medium-sized mammals and birds. They're known for their large canines relative to their size.

There are around 4,500 Sunda clouded leopards of breeding age in the wild, a figure thought to be decreasing due to deforestation.

The Sunda leopard cat, on the other hand, is a small wild cat found on several Southeast Asian islands, including Borneo, Sumatra, and Java.

Here's a comparison of the two Sunda species:

The Sunda clouded leopard is a rare sight in the wild, but Deramakot Forest Reserve in Borneo is one of the best places to spot them.

In 2017, genetic analysis separated the Sunda leopard cat from the mainland leopard cat, confirming its distinctiveness.

The caracal is a mid-sized wild cat found in Africa, West Asia, and India, with a short, pale gold coat and distinctive long, black ear-tufts. Its ear tufts are also responsible for its alternate name of 'desert lynx'.

The caracal is fairly common, particularly in southern and eastern Africa. It's also found in the Middle East and India, with a distribution that extends outside of the African continent to Central Asia and India.

The caracal's name comes from the Turkish for 'black ear', which refers to its distinctive ear tufts. These tufts are also a key feature that distinguishes the caracal from other wild cats.

The caracal is an agile and acrobatic hunter, able to leap 3 meters into the air and take out several birds with one swipe. This impressive jumping ability is a testament to the caracal's speed and agility.

Here are some key facts about the caracal's distribution:

The caracal is a relatively common sight in some national parks and game reserves, such as those in South Africa's Kgalagadi NP, West Coast NP, and Mosaic Farms.

The Southern Oncilla is a wild cat species found in central and southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. They are closely related to the Northern Oncilla.

The Southern Oncilla has a dappled coat of rich tawny or grayish-brown fur adorned with distinctive dark spots and rosettes. This unique coat pattern helps them blend in with their surroundings.

They are primarily solitary and nocturnal hunters, preying on small mammals, birds, and insects. Their elusive nature makes them challenging to spot in their preferred habitats.

The Southern Oncilla is smaller than many other wild cat species, weighing between 2.2 and 4.1 kg (5 and 9 lb.). This makes them similar in size to a domestic cat.

Here are some places where you can spot a Southern Oncilla:

The fishing cat is a fascinating species that's closely associated with water. It lives near lakes, swamps, and mangroves in South and Southeast Asia, where it can be found in countries such as Sri Lanka.

This cat is a skilled swimmer and can cover large distances in the water. Its diet consists of fish, as well as small mammals, birds, and other small animals.

The fishing cat's scientific name is Prionailurus viverrinus, and it belongs to the subfamily Felinae. Unfortunately, it's considered a vulnerable species, which means it needs our protection and care.

If you're interested in spotting a fishing cat, Sri Lanka is a great place to start. The best locations to look for them are around Sigiriya and on the outskirts of Wilpattu National Park. Just be sure to keep a safe distance, as the cats can be found in areas near farm roads.

The Marbled Cat is a stunning species found in southern and southeastern Asia. It's a bit smaller than a domestic cat, with a brown-red coat featuring darker, cloud-like blotches.

This cat's long tail is quite remarkable, as it's almost as long as its head and body combined. The tail helps it maintain balance while climbing, which is no surprise given its love of trees.

The Marbled Cat is found in pristine forests, but unfortunately, its population is severely fragmented due to habitat loss and hunting. It's listed as Near Threatened on the conservation status list.

Here are some key facts about the Marbled Cat:

The Chinese Mountain cat is one of the least known and most rarely seen wild cats, with a narrow distribution in Western China.

It has only been photographed in the wild in recent years, making it a fascinating and elusive creature to spot.

The Ruoergai grassland on the Tibetan Plateau is a good spot to see the Chinese Mountain cat, as the author of this passage was able to spot the cat on three separate occasions in just four nights.

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The African and Asiatic wildcat is a fascinating species, and I'm excited to share some interesting facts about it. The scientific name for this species is Felis lybica, and it's classified under the subfamily Felinae.

This adaptable cat can be found in a wide range of habitats, from hill and mountainous regions to deserts and arid areas. In fact, the sand cat, a desert specialist, is a pale sandy color with two distinctive black bands around its front legs.

The African and Asiatic wildcat is typically pale gray with faint stripes and a white underside, and it's smaller than the wildcat. Its ears often have small tufts, giving it a unique appearance.

Here are some key differences between the African and Asiatic wildcat and the sand cat:

Both the African and Asiatic wildcat and the sand cat have a conservation status of Least Concern, indicating that they are not currently threatened with extinction. However, it's still essential to protect their habitats and prevent human-wildlife conflict.

The European wildcat has a patchy distribution in the forests of Western, Southern, Central and Eastern Europe up to the Caucasus Mountains.

One of the best-known subspecies of the European wildcat is the Scottish wildcat.

The European wildcat can be found in Cordillera Cantabrica in northern Spain, in the fields around Boca de Huergano.

The Eurasian lynx is a medium-sized wild cat found in Europe and Asia, with a large range that includes south-eastern and central Europe, together with parts of Asia, including China, India, Iran and Pakistan.

It has a number of subspecies, including the northern lynx, Balkan lynx and Siberian lynx.

The Eurasian lynx is the largest lynx species, weighing between 18 and 30 kg (40 and 66 lb.).

Its distinctive features include tufted ears, long powerful legs, and a short 'bobbed' tail.

Here's a brief overview of the Eurasian lynx's range and subspecies:

The Eurasian lynx has a red-brown spotted coat, with paler undersides, making it a striking and beautiful creature.

The Iberian lynx is a species of cat found in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in southwestern Spain. It's one of the world's most endangered cats, with a population that dwindled to just 52 mature individuals in 2002.

This subspecies of lynx has distinctive features, including tufted ears, long legs, a short tail, and long fur around the front of its neck. It's significantly heavier than a domestic cat, weighing two to three times as much.

Conservation efforts have been instrumental in protecting the Iberian lynx. Captive breeding programs and habitat preservation have helped increase the population, with 156 mature individuals counted in a 2012 study.

The Iberian lynx is found in isolated patches of Mediterranean scrubland in Spain, with the Sierra de Andujar Natural Park being a prime location for spotting one. This park is just over 100km from Cordoba and offers guided tours for wildlife enthusiasts.

Here are some key facts about the Iberian lynx:

The Siberian tiger is the biggest cat in the world, weighing up to 320 kg. It's also the most endangered big cat, with its numbers in decline due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

The South China tiger has already crossed the point of no return, with only an estimated 20 individuals left in the wild. This is a stark reminder of the impact of human activities on big cat populations.

In contrast, the jaguar is the largest cat found in the Americas and the third-largest species of cat in the world, weighing up to 96 kg. It's a powerful apex predator, capable of preying on large animals like caiman and tapirs.

Here are some key facts about big cats:

India is the best place in the world to see tigers in their natural habitat, with some of the best national parks including Kanha and Bandhavgarh.

The lion is the second-largest cat species in the world, and it's truly a majestic creature. Its scientific name is Panthera leo, and it belongs to the subfamily Pantherinae.

Lions are found in Africa and Asia, with the largest populations in eastern and southern Africa. They're also found in two small, isolated groups in India. Unfortunately, lions are threatened by indiscriminate killing by local people, often due to the perceived threat to livestock.

One of the most distinctive features of lions is their tawny-colored coat, which can range from blond to dark brown. Males are also known for their impressive mane, which can be quite dark in some individuals. I've seen lions with beautiful golden manes on a safari in Africa.

Lions are social animals and live in groups known as "prides". These prides are typically made up of several females, their cubs, and one or more males. Unfortunately, lions are vulnerable to extinction, with their conservation status listed as Vulnerable.

Here are some key facts about lions:

It's worth noting that lions were once found in a much wider range, including parts of Europe and Asia. Today, their population is fragmented and restricted to certain regions.

The tiger is the largest species of cat in the world, with large males reaching weights of over 350 kg / 770 lb. and having total body-tail lengths of 3.9m / 12.8 ft.

Despite its size, the tiger has a fragmented population across Asia, and is found in habitats as diverse as snow-covered Siberian forests and tropical mangrove swamps.

Unfortunately, the tiger is an endangered species, with only around 3,000 tigers of breeding age left in the wild. There are currently more tigers in captivity than there are in the wild.

The Siberian tiger is the biggest cat in the world, weighing around 320 kg, and is also the most endangered big cat. It's a sobering reminder of the impact of human activity on the natural world.

The tiger's conservation status varies by subspecies, with some, like the Bengal subspecies, still thriving in the wild. Others, like the South China tiger, are critically endangered, with an estimated 20 individuals left in the wild.

Here's a breakdown of the tiger's conservation status by subspecies:

If you're lucky enough to visit India, you can see tigers in their natural habitat in national parks like Kanha and Bandhavgarh, which are in the state of Madhya Pradesh. I've been fortunate enough to visit Kanha and saw a total of 15 tigers in 7 days, including a courting pair and a family with three cubs.

The jaguar is the largest cat found in the Americas and the third-largest species of cat in the world. It's a large, powerful apex predator that can weigh up to 96 kg (211 lb) and has a golden-yellow coat with black rosettes.

Jaguars are excellent swimmers and can often be found resting on tree branches overhanging rivers. They have the strongest bite in relation to body size among big cats, capable of crushing the skull of an adult caiman.

The jaguar's habitat spans 18 countries across 6-million sq. kilometre range, with no subspecies. This unique characteristic poses challenges for conservation efforts, which now focus on protecting connecting corridors of habitat that allow jaguars to move between populations.

Here are some key facts about jaguars:

In the wild, jaguars are found in the Amazon and Pantanal regions in Brazil, with the Pantanal being a better place for spotting them, especially around Porto Jofre.

The mountain lion is a large wild cat found in both North and South America. It's also known as the puma and the cougar, and its scientific name is Puma concolor.

This species is a stealthy ambush predator that's found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts. Its large range stretches from northern Canada to the Andes in South America.

Mountain lions are the second-largest cat of the Americas, and the fourth-largest of all cat species. They're not considered big cats, however, because they can't roar.

Their favored prey is deer, and they'll also prey on livestock. They're found coast-to-coast in the United States, but primarily in 14 western states, and there's a small endangered population in Florida.

Here are some of the common names for the mountain lion:

The mountain lion's conservation status is listed as Least Concern.

The cheetah is the world's fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds of up to 61 mph / 98 km/h.

This African cat species' awesome speed, acceleration, and maneuverability allow it to hunt the fast-moving antelopes that form the bulk of its diet. The cheetah's diet consists mainly of antelopes.

Cheetahs are tall, slim cats with long legs and a small head. They have a pale gold coat marked with small dark spots, and pale undersides.

Here's a breakdown of the cheetah's habitat and population:

Cheetahs live in small, localized populations in sub-Saharan Africa, and they are quite easy to see on a safari. Good places to try are Serengeti National Park (Tanzania), Maasai Mara (Kenya), Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa) and Etosha National Park in Namibia.

Small wild cats can be found on all continents except Antarctica and Australia.

One of the lesser-known small cat species is the Bay cat, which is part of a distinct lineage that diverged from the common ancestor of wild cats.

The Bay cat lineage contains three wild cat species, all occurring in the Southeast Asian region, and represents some of the rarest Asian wild cats.

Feral cats are another type of small wild cat, and they can be found in large numbers in Australia, having descended from domestic cats that arrived with European settlers.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species lists five endangered felids: tiger, Iberian lynx, Borneo bay cat, fishing cat, and the flat-headed cat.

Wild cats face a number of threats, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, loss of prey species, and persecution by people. As a result, 25 species of wild cats are currently threatened with extinction.

The tiger is one of the five species listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It's a powerful and majestic creature that deserves our protection.

Thirteen more wild cat species are listed as Vulnerable, including the lion, leopard, snow leopard, and clouded leopard. These species are still at risk of becoming endangered if their habitats continue to be threatened.

The Amur leopard is one of the rarest cats with no more than 90 individuals surviving in the wild in the Russian Far East. It's a sobering reminder of the precarious state of many wild cat species.

Seven species of wild cats are listed as Near Threatened, including the jaguar, Asiatic golden cat, and rusty-spotted cat. These species are still at risk, but conservation efforts are helping to stabilize their populations.

It's heartbreaking to think that some wild cat species, like the South China tiger, may already be extinct. No wild individuals have been recorded since the late 1980s, and it's possible that this subspecies is gone forever.

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The world of wild cats is vast and fascinating, and there are so many more species beyond the popular lions and tigers.

The cheetah is the fastest land animal on Earth, reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.

The serval is a medium-sized wild cat with distinctive ears and a golden coat, native to the savannas and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. Its ears are so large that they can rotate independently, allowing the serval to pinpoint prey in the dark.

The caracal is a sleek and agile hunter with a distinctive tuft of hair on the end of its ears, found in a variety of habitats across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

The ocelot is a small wild cat with a beautiful coat and a short tail, native to the Americas. It's a solitary and nocturnal animal, spending most of its time alone in the forest.

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