The Felidae or cat Family is currently classed as having 41 species. The family includes 40 wild cat species, and also our beloved domestic pets. We didn’t want them to feel left out, so we also have a fact sheet on the Domestic cat Felis catus.
Wild cats are found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Even though the small cats make up the majority of the Felidae Family, most people are unaware of these tiny felines. Education and public awareness are major components of wildcat conservation, so we are happy to provide fact sheets on all wild cats:
See our complete list of Felidae Taxonomy (2017)
The small wild cats alphabetically:
African Golden Cat * Andean Cat * Asiatic Golden Cat
Black-footed Cat * Bobcat * Borneo Bay Cat
Canada Lynx * Caracal * Chinese Mountain Cat * Clouded Leopard
Sand Cat * Serval * Sunda Clouded Leopard * Sunda Leopard Cat
Bibliography for all our Wildcat fact sheets
Published scientific papers written by wild cat researchers – ongoing
Revised Taxonomy of the Felidae (2017) – IUCN Cat Specialist Group
Biology & Conservation of Wild Felids; D.W. MacDonald, A.J. Loveridge, (2010) Oxford Press
Carnivores of the World; L. Hunter, (2010) Princeton University Press
Handbook of Mammals of the World: Vol 1, Carnivores; D. Wilson & R. Mittermeier(2009) Lynx Edicions/IUCN
Wild Cats Status Survey & Conservation Action Plan; K. Knowell & P. Jackson, (1996) IUCN
Updated 2024
Courtney
I fell in love with cats when my family moved to Korea where we got my baby Tom. Then I finally realized all I want to do is work for and with cats. (big and small) I used to go to a rescue for cats and I loved it, it showed me that everything and everyone needs a little help and with that, I am going to be a wild animal veterinarian specializing in cats but do all animals. I love what you show on your website. It is very informational and I hope to see more increases.
Pat Bumstead
Please email our office at smallwildcats[at]gmail.com so we can discuss this further.
Charlie Haas
How can I become involved in the blackfooted cat research? Looking for field work.
Pat Bumstead
Please email us details on your study to smallwildcats@gmail.com as we would love to learn more about your project.
Wagner
Hi everyone:
Congratulations for this web site. I am conducing a research with personal economic resources about density and behavior of pampas cat in Perú all support for this adventure is Welcome!!
Wagner
pasang
I am conducting a research on density, habitat use and conservation threats of Leopard cat under Tendruk Block, Samtse District of Bhutan BUT i am facing lots of financial problem to do that research effectively. so i would be glad if any organisation can render some financial help.
rick 10111
I have been a huge admirer and enthusiast of all wild cats in the world, but I admit, I don’t know too much about the smaller members of the Felidae Family. I love your website