Black-footed Stalking

"Male Spook stalks pressed low to the ground across the rock strewn flats." A. Sliwa

As special adaptations to their arid desert habitat, dotted with grasses and dwarf shrubs, Black-footed Cats have hair on the black soles of their feet to protect them from hot sands. Their coat pattern helps them blend into background. Their small body size is perfect for hunting low down in short vegetation. They often flatten their low set ears completely, in order to hide even lower in areas with little or no cover.

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Black-footed Mom & Kitten Play

"Female Lamu plays with her kitten." A. Sliwa

Black-footed cats take a reproductive pause in winter. At this time the low temperatures would make it difficult for kittens to stay warm enough when the mother is away hunting for 10-13 hours. Also in winter, rodent, bird chick and insect numbers are low, which are needed for the high food requirements while suckling kittens.

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Black-footed Bird Hunter

"Female Lamu feeds on a clapper lark, gnawing off the primary and tail feathers." A. Sliwa

The smaller and more agile females are more successful than males at catching small birds. They flatten to the ground after hearing a bird, then inch closer, carefully placing each foot so as not to make a sound, before finally making an explosive dash and jump to pluck the bird out of the air.

Learn more about Black-footed Cats on our website

Help the researchers of the Black-footed Cat Working Group continue this conservation study!