Bobcat Vs Cat: The Differences Between Cats & Bobcats

Do you know the difference between a bobcat and a cat?

If not, you’re not alone.

Though these two animals are often confused, there are actually several key distinctions between them.

In this bobcat vs cat blog post, we’ll explore some of the major differences between bobcats and cats so that you can tell them apart next time you see one.

What Is A Bobcat?

Bobcats are small, wild cats that live in North America.

They are about twice the size of a domestic cat, and they have short, brown fur.

Bobcats are shy and secretive animals, and they are rarely seen by people.

They live in forests and woodlands, where they hunt small prey like rabbits and rodents.

Bobcats are also known to eat insects and carrion.

You won’t easily encounter a bobcat in the wild, but if you’re lucky enough to spot one, you’ll be able to identify it by its distinctive short fur and brown markings.

What Is A Domestic Cat?

A domestic cat is a small, furry creature that most people think of as a pet.

Cats have been domesticated for centuries, and they are popular pets around the world.

They are known for their independent nature, and many owners enjoy their feline companions’ aloof behavior.

Cats come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Some cats have short hair, while others have long, flowing fur.

Some cats are small and delicate, while others are larger and more muscular.

There are also several different breeds of cats, each with its unique characteristics.

Bobcat vs Cat – The Main Differences

Tracks

The tracks of a bobcat and a housecat look quite similar.

However, the tracks of a bobcat are typically larger than those of a housecat.

If you’re lucky enough to see a wild bobcat’s tracks, you’ll be able to identify them by their size and the presence of claw marks (which are absent from housecat tracks).

Skull Structure

Bobcats have a more robust skull structure than domestic cats.

Their skulls are wider and their muzzles are shorter.

This is because bobcats need to be able to kill prey that is larger than themselves, and their sturdy skull structure helps them do this.

Fur

Bobcats have short fur, while domestic cats can have either short or long fur.

Domestic cats with longer fur are more susceptible to cold weather, while bobcats stay warm due to their short fur.

Mane

Male bobcats have a mane of hair that extends from the back of their head to the base of their neck.

This mane is usually black or brown in color, and it helps make the bobcat look larger and more intimidating to predators and prey.

Male domestic cats do not have a mane.

Tail

As its name, bobcat’s tail is short and stubby, while domestic cats have long, bushy tails.

The tail is important for balance when a cat is hunting, and the long tail of a domestic cat helps it keep its balance when running and climbing.

Ear Tufts

Male bobcats also have ear tufts – long, hair-like extensions on the tips of their ears.

These ear tufts help bobcats keep warm in cold weather.

Most domestic cats do not have ear tufts.

Limb Lengths

As mentioned before, bobcats are considerably larger than housecats.

This size difference is most evident in the length of their limbs.

Bobcat limbs are typically much longer than those of a housecat, which allows them to cover more ground when hunting prey.

Most of housecat breeds, on the other hand, usually have short limbs, making them better suited for life in an urban environment.

Adaptability

Bobcats are more adaptable to different environments than domestic cats.

They can live in a wide variety of habitats.

Domestic cats, on the other hand, are limited to living in urban or rural areas.

This is because bobcats have evolved to be better hunters, and they need a variety of habitats in order to be successful.

Domestic cats, while still good hunters, have not evolved to the same degree as bobcats and are more reliant on humans for food.

What Do They Eat?

The diet of a bobcat is much more varied than the diet of a domestic cat.

Bobcats eat small mammals, such as rabbits and rodents, as well as birds, lizards, and insects.

Domestic cats, on the other hand, typically only eat meat.

This is because domestic cats have been bred to be dependent on humans for food, while bobcats have not undergone any such selective breeding.

This difference in the diet means that bobcats are better hunters and can survive in a wider variety of environments.

Domestic cats, while still good hunters, are more limited in their dietary options.

Who Would Win In A Fight?

Given their size difference, it’s no surprise that a bobcat would win in a fight against a housecat.

Bobcats are much stronger and more muscular than domestic cats.

They also have evolved to be better hunters, which gives them an advantage over domestic cats.

Domestic cats, while still good hunters, have not evolved to the same degree as bobcats.

This size difference and evolutionary advantage mean that a bobcat would easily win in a fight against a housecat.

Will a bobcat hurt a cat?

If you see a bobcat in your backyard, there’s no need to worry that it will hurt your house cat.

Bobcats are actually quite shy, and they avoid contact with humans whenever possible.

However, they are hunters, and they will prey on small animals such as rabbits, squirrels, and birds.

So, if your cat is outdoors and unprotected, there is a risk that the bobcat could attack and eat it.

The best way to protect your pet is to keep it indoors or to provide it with a safe outdoor space that the bobcat can’t access.

By taking these precautions, you can ensure that both your cat and the bobcat remain safe.

Can a cat breed with a bobcat?

If you’re wondering whether a cat can breed with a bobcat, the answer is yes – but it’s not exactly common.

Cats and bobcats are both members of the Felidae family, which means they are closely related and can interbreed.

However, there are some notable differences between the two species.

For starters, bobcats are about twice the size of domestic cats, with males weighing in at around 35 pounds and females typically weighing 15-30 pounds.

Bobcats also have longer legs and bigger feet than domestic cats, and their tails are much shorter – about half the length of a domestic cat’s tail.

Perhaps most notably, bobcats have distinctive black spots on their fur, while domestic cats do not.

Despite these differences, cats and bobcats can produce fertile offspring if they mate.

However, given the rarity of such unions, it’s likely that any offspring would have characteristics that fall somewhere in between those of its parents.

Is a bobcat considered a cat?

Yes, bobcats are considered cats, just like their big cousins panthers and jaguars.

However, they are not really get along well in the wild, as they all are hunters and felt threaten by each other. If they encounter, the fights will likely to occur. Here are our post of Bobcat Vs Panther that may shock you with the result.

Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are members of the Felidae family, which includes all species of cat – from lions and tigers to domestic cats.

Bobcats are relatively small cats, weighing 15-35 pounds on average.

They have short fur that is typically brown or reddish in color, and they have black spots on their fur.

Bobcats also have short tails, and their hind legs are longer than their front legs.

They are native to North America, and they can live in a variety of habitats.

How can you tell if it’s a bobcat, not a house cat?

If you think you might have seen a bobcat, there are a few things you can look for to be sure.

First, check the size of the cat.

Bobcats are usually about twice the size of a house cat, with males averaging around 30 pounds and females around 20 pounds.

They also have longer legs and larger feet relative to their body size.

Another way to tell if you’ve spotted a bobcat is by looking at its tail.

Unlike domestic cats, bobcats have short tails that are black on the tip and white on the underside.

Finally, take a look at the animal’s coat.

Bobcats typically have brown or reddish-brown fur, but their coloring can vary depending on their location.

If you see an animal that matches these descriptions, there’s a good chance you’ve found a bobcat.

How big is a bobcat compared to a house cat?

A bobcat is about twice as big as a house cat.

A full-grown bobcat can weigh up to 35 pounds, while a house cat typically weighs between 8 and 10 pounds.

Bobcats also have noticeably longer legs than house cats.

You can easily tell a bobcat apart from a house cat by its tail – bobcats have short tails that are black on the tip and white on the underside, while house cats have long tails with a black or dark brown tip.

Finally, bobcats typically have brown or reddish-brown fur, while house cats can be any color.

What are some of the dangers of owning a bobcat?

There are several dangers associated with owning a bobcat.

First, bobcats can be aggressive, and they have been known to attack people – even their owners.

Bobcats also carry a number of diseases that can be passed to humans, including rabies and toxoplasmosis.

Finally, bobcats are wild animals, and they have specific needs that can be difficult to meet in captivity.

For example, bobcats need a lot of space to roam, and they require a diet of raw meat.

If you’re considering owning a bobcat, it’s important to weigh the risks and rewards carefully.

How much space does a bobcat need?

A bobcat needs a lot of space to roam.

In the wild, bobcats typically live in areas with plenty of trees, brush, and other covers.

They also need access to a water source.

A bobcat should have at least 100 square feet of space to be comfortable and be able to live longer in captivity.

Bobcats are also climbers that can climb over fences, so their enclosure should be at least 6 feet.

Bobcat Vs Cat – Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a number of key differences between bobcats and domestic cats.

Bobcats are larger, have shorter fur and tail, and a small mane of hair on their head.

They also have longer limbs and a stubby tail.

Bobcats are more adaptable to different environments than domestic cats, and they have a more varied diet.

Domestic cats, while still good hunters, are more limited in their dietary options and are not as adaptable to different environments.

This makes bobcats better suited for life in the wild, while domestic cats are better suited for life with humans.