Big cats are among the most charismatic and recognizable wildlife species on Earth. Lions and tigers star as mascots, cartoon characters, and nature documentary headliners—most of us know the basics of their life cycles and conservation status.
But there are 40 wild cat species worldwide, and chances are you’ve never heard of most. Many are small, nocturnal, and elusive, yet they face conservation challenges similar to their larger feline cousins.
Conservationists often emphasize protecting global biodiversity, but much of that diversity remains unknown—even among animals as familiar as cats.
Below are eight small wild cat species that, depending on where you live, might be new to you. Let us know your favorite wild felines in the comments!
1. Black-Footed Cat
For most African safari-goers, spotting big cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs is the trip’s highlight. But what about the continent’s smallest cat? That’s a far rarer sight.
Weighing just four pounds, the black-footed cat is impossibly cute. Found in the arid regions of South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana—all popular safari destinations—it’s nocturnal and quite scarce.
Anyone who’s seen big cats in the wild knows they’re hard to spot hunting; lions spend most of their time resting. The black-footed cat is the opposite. According to the Smithsonian, it “catches more prey in a single night than a leopard does in six months.” Its fast metabolism means it’s almost constantly hunting after dark.
This habit makes them reliably sighted on specialized night safaris in suitable habitats, especially the ranchlands around Kimberley, South Africa. I spotted several there during night safaris that also offered glimpses of aardvarks, Cape porcupines, hedgehogs, and more.
2. Iberian Lynx
Among North American nature enthusiasts, Europe is often seen as “less wild.” Yet some of the most exciting wildlife conservation initiatives—and successes—have unfolded there.
Take the Iberian lynx. In 2002, it was the world’s most endangered wild cat, with only 94 individuals left. Native to Spain and Portugal, the species had declined sharply for decades: relentlessly persecuted by farmers (it wasn’t legally protected until the 1970s), its main prey—European rabbits—suffered a population crash due to a virus. It had vanished from Portugal, and many feared it would become the first cat species to go extinct in modern times.
Fast forward to today: the Iberian lynx population has grown to over 1,000. While threats remain, this is a dramatic comeback by any measure. The key was a comprehensive conservation approach: protecting critical habitat, boosting wild populations through captive breeding (including reintroduction to Portugal, where around 150 now roam), and restoring rabbit populations.
Once a long shot, spotting a wild Iberian lynx is now a goal for dedicated wildlife watchers who plan trips to Spanish national parks. Threats persist, but the Iberian lynx stands as a bright spot for predator conservation.
3. Pallas’ Cat
Pallas’ cat is probably best known from “grumpy cat” memes—this fluffy feline has a distinctly annoyed look. Of course, that’s just human projection. Also called the manul, Pallas’ cat actually thrives in harsh conditions (by human standards, at least).
Roaming high elevations in Central Asia, these solitary ambush predators hunt even when temperatures drop to -40°F. Their secret? The longest, densest fur of any cat species. This fluffy coat makes them appear much larger than they are—they’re actually no bigger than a house cat.
They also have small ears, which help prevent heat loss in frigid environments. At lower elevations, their immune systems aren’t equipped to handle higher levels of bacteria and viruses, making captive breeding (a key tool in many cat conservation efforts) challenging for zoos and wildlife centers.
4. Fishing Cat
Most of us know domestic cats dislike water, and common knowledge claims that among wild cats, only tigers swim. That’s a myth—just ask the next two species on our list.
The fishing cat, native to Southeast Asia, lives up to its name: it’s often found near water and is an excellent swimmer. Webbed feet and non-retractable claws help it snag underwater prey. Unsurprisingly, fish make up a large part of its diet, which it catches by standing at the water’s edge.
But fishing cats are also versatile generalists, feeding on rodents, small birds, and even livestock.
5. Flat-Headed Cat
With its namesake flattened head and large eyes, the flat-headed cat looks a bit like someone attached a lemur’s head to a small cat’s body.
Another Southeast Asian species adapted to semi-aquatic habitats, it’s often found in wetlands—unfortunately, one of the most threatened ecosystems. A study in Malaysia found that local flat-headed cats fed almost exclusively on fish; other research shows crustaceans and frogs are also important, and they’ll eat a variety of terrestrial prey.
Like many small Southeast Asian cats, flat-headed cats are poorly studied, and their populations are clearly declining. A growing number of wildlife travelers now plan trips specifically to see wild felines—including these smaller, more cryptic species not typically spotted on standard safaris. These trips, which involve long nights searching by boat for species like the flat-headed cat, could help build more support for small cat conservation.
6. Oncilla
Central and South America are home to several spotted wild cats, with the jaguar being the most well-known. But there are smaller species too—telling them apart can be tricky, but each has unique spotting patterns.
The oncilla (sometimes called the tiger cat) is one of the smallest. Found from Costa Rica to northern Argentina, it often lives at higher elevations than other spotted cats. It’s also extremely elusive and rare.
The Central American population, which may be a separate species, is particularly vulnerable. In recent years, few wild oncillas have been documented in the region. The Central America Oncilla Project is using camera traps, community surveys, and other methods to gather more information about this secretive creature.
7. Geoffrey’s Cat
Another spotted South American cat, Geoffrey’s cat ranges across the southern part of the continent. Many people assume South American wild cats are forest-dwellers, but that’s not always the case. Geoffrey’s cats inhabit a wide range of habitats, including marshes, arid steppes, and even deserts.
According to the Princeton Field Guide: Felids and Hyenas of the World, there’s evidence that Geoffrey’s cats may have benefited from habitat conversion—they thrive better in croplands than in the original subtropical forests. This generalist species, with a bit of protection, does well on working farms and ranches.
8. Jaguarundi
Many of our readers live in the U.S., where the most common wild felines are bobcats and mountain lions. Canada lynx live in colder regions, a small ocelot population clings on in South Texas, and jaguars are occasionally documented in Arizona along the U.S.-Mexico border.
But have you heard of the jaguarundi? Its name sounds like a spotted cat, but its coat is actually a solid color—either rusty brown or dark gray.
These cats once lived in the South Texas brush country, like ocelots. The last confirmed U.S. sighting was in 1986 in Brownsville. As with many lost species, there are annual reported sightings in Texas and Arizona, and some people are convinced jaguarundis still roam the U.S.
