Bobcats

The Bobcat (Lynx rufus, or Felis rufus) is a small wild cat indigenous to North America. They have reddish-brown or yellowish-brown coats that are streaked with black or dark brown and have prominent, pointed ears with a tuft of black hair at the tip. Bobcats stand approximately 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) high at the shoulder. The male Bobcat typically weighs from 11–16 kg (24–35 lb).

Its habitat is deciduous forests and wooded areas in most of the western and southeastern United States and Mexico. The Bobcat can be found in a few parts of southern Canada, where its range overlaps with the habitat of the related Canada Lynx. Bobcats hunt wild rabbits, hares, and rodents, but will also attempt to hunt the larger deer in winter months when other food is scarce.

Bobcats are small and bear a certain resemblance to the familiar tabby cat, so to many people the idea of owning one as a pet seems quite approachable. However, potential pet owners should be aware that the behavior of a bobcat is quite diffferent in many ways from a domestic cat, and the level of care required will far exceed that of a domestic cat.

Bobcats have a reputation among many owners as being both more aggressive and more certain to spray than some other exotic species such as the serval. There are many very happy bobcat owners, but those are typically people who have done their homework ahead of time and are prepared to cope with issues such as spraying, the need for an outdoor enclosure, and rough play behavior.

Bobcat Articles

Things to Consider Before Getting a Bobcat By guest author Donna Verba. Also discusses care and behavior. Read Article....

A Bit About Bobcats Guest author Lynn Culver writes about her bobcats, describing their behavior, their housing, and raising kittens. Read Article....

How we Fell in Love With Bobcats By bobcat owners John and Terri Chuha. Read Article....

Rocky; An Adopted Pet Bobcat Success Story Kaleena Lee's first exotic cat was an adopted 2-year-old bobcat who had originally been purchased from a fur farm. In some cases that might have been a recipe for trouble, but this story had a very happy ending for Rocky and his owner. Read Article....

Amber and Boris This site is devoted to two pet bobcats, Boris and Amber. As you read through the site you will find information on bobcats as pets as well as some really wonderful photos. Visit site....

Bobcats as Pets? Short article by Lynn Culver. Read Article....

A Few Thoughts on Bobcats A somewhat longer article by Lynn Culver. Read Article....

Bobcat Photos

To see bobcat photos, visit the bobcat area in the ExoticCatz.com Exotic Feline Photo Gallery.

Many more pet bobcat photos can be found on Amber and Boris's Photo Page.

Bobcat Websites

Bitterroot Bobcats and Lynx Breeders of bobcats and lynx. Site offers some information and photos.