Examples of animals like cats include civets, lions, jaguars, pumas, and cheetahs.
Do you ever see an animal and think it looks like a cat?
There are actually quite a few animals that share some of the same features as our feline friends.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at these animals that look like cats.
We’ll also discuss some of the similarities and differences between these animals and cats.
Examples of Animals that Look Like Cats
Examples of Animals that Look Like Cats
Scientific NameCaracal aurataType of AnimalMammalRangetropical Africa
The African golden cat is a small to medium-sized wild cat native to the forests of Central and West Africa.
As its name suggests, the African golden cat has a coat that is gold or reddish-brown in color.
The African golden cat is about the size of a domestic housecat, but it has a much stockier build.
The Asian palm civet is a small, nocturnal mammal that is found in the forests of Southeast Asia.
These animals are also known as “toddy cats” because they are fond of eating the sap of palm trees.
Palm civets have long, lithe bodies and their fur is usually dark brown or black.
Palm civets are excellent climbers and they often build their nests in the trees.
Scientific NameArctictis binturongType of AnimalMammalRangesoutheast Asia
The binturong, also known as the Bearcat, is a furry animal that is native to parts of Asia.
Binturongs are actually related to civets and not cats, but they do share some similarities with felines.
For example, binturongs have long tails and pointed ears.
They are also proficient climbers and are known for their love of lounging in trees.
In terms of size, binturongs can grow to be about the same size as a domestic cat.
Related Article: Do Binturong Has Long Tail?
Scientific NamePanthera pardusType of AnimalMammalRangeSouth and Southeast Asia
One of the first animals that come to mind when thinking about creatures that look like cats is black panthers.
These animals are actually a type of leopard, but they get their unique black coloring from a genetic mutation.
Black panthers are native to Africa and Asia, and they typically live in dense forests where they can camouflage themselves with ease.
The bobcat is a North American wildcat that looks similar to a housecat.
Bobcats have short fur that is yellowish-brown in color with black spots.
They also have black stripes on their face and legs.
Bobcats are about twice the size of a housecat, weighing in at around 20 pounds.
Related Article: Do Bobcats Live in Desert?
Scientific NameLynx canadensisType of AnimalMammalRangeboreal forest
The Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) is a wild cat that is native to North America.
This animal has many features that are similar to those of a domestic cat, including its overall body shape, furry tail, and pointed ears.
The Canada lynx also has long legs and large paws, which help it to travel through deep snow.
Scientific NameCaracal caracalType of AnimalMammalRangeAfrica
The caracal is a medium-sized cat that is found in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
It has a reddish-brown coat and long, black tufts of hair on its ears.
Caracals are top predators in their habitats and are known for their powerful leaping abilities.
They can leap up to 10 feet in the air to catch birds and small mammals.
Related Article: Do Caracal Have Big & Long Ears?
Scientific NameAcinonyx jubatusType of AnimalMammalRangeAfrica
The cheetah is a large cat that is native to Africa.
Cheetahs have a slender body, long legs, and a spotted coat.
They also have a black tear-like mark that runs from the inside corner of each eye down to the mouth.
Related Article: Do Cheetah Eat Zebras?
Scientific NameLynx lynxType of AnimalMammalRangeEurope, central Asia
The Eurasian lynx is a wild cat that is native to Europe and Asia.
These cats are the largest of the lynx species, and they can grow to be up to four feet long.
Lynx have thick fur that keeps them warm in cold climates, and their furry tufts of hair help them hear better.
They also have long hind legs that help them jump great distances.
Lynx are excellent hunters, and they primarily eat small mammals such as rabbits and rodents.
Related Article: Do Lynx Purr?
Scientific NamePrionailurus viverrinusType of AnimalMammalRangeSouth and Southeast Asia
The fishing cat is a small wild cat that is found in South and Southeast Asia.
Fishing cats are about the same size as domestic cats, but they have longer legs and a more muscular body.
Their coat is striped and their tails are long and bushy.
Scientific NamePuma concolor coryiType of AnimalMammalRangethe peninsula of Florida
The Florida panther is a large cat that is native to the southeastern United States.
The Florida panther is an endangered species, with only around 120 individuals remaining in the wild.
The fossa is a cat-like animal that is native to Madagascar.
It is the largest predator on the island and can grow to be about the size of a large dog.
Fossas have long, slim bodies with short legs.
They are covered in short, reddish-brown fur and have large ears.
Their tails are long and bushy.
Scientific NamePanthera oncaType of AnimalMammalRange Americas
The jaguar is a large cat that is native to the Americas.
Jaguars have short fur that is usually yellow or orange with black spots.
They are excellent swimmers and climbers, and they are also known for being very fierce predators.
Jaguars are similar to cats in many ways, but they are much larger, and their spots are different.
Scientific NamePuma yagouaroundiType of AnimalMammalRangenorthern Mexico and central and south America
The jaguarundi is a small cat-like creature that is found in Central and South America.
This animal has a long, slim body and short legs.
Its fur is typically brown or reddish in color, and it has black spots on its back and sides.
Jaguarundis are excellent climbers and swimmers.
Scientific NameFelis chausType of AnimalMammalRange Asia and Africa
The jungle cat is a medium-sized cat that is found in Asia and Africa.
These cats have long legs, big feet, and long tails.
Jungle cats are very similar in appearance to domestic cats, but they are usually much larger.
Scientific NamePrionailurus bengalensisType of AnimalMammalRangeIndia, Southeast Asia, and nearby islands
The leopard cat looks like a smaller version of its namesake, the leopard.
Like leopards, leopard cats have spots on their fur.
However, their spots are much smaller and closer together than those of a leopard.
Leopard cats also have long tails and pointed ears, just like cats.
Scientific NamePanthera pardusType of AnimalMammalRangeAfrica
Leopards are one of the animals that look the most like cats.
Leopards are usually slightly larger than cats, but they can weigh up to 200 pounds.
Their spots are also different from cats’ stripes.
Scientific NamePanthera leo × Panthera tigrisType of AnimalMammalRangeZoos
These massive animals can weigh over 900 pounds and grow to be over 11 feet long!
Ligers are usually orange or tan with black stripes, just like tigers.
They also have manes like lions.
Scientific NamePanthera leoType of AnimalMammalRangeAfrica
Like cats, lions are carnivores with sharp teeth and claws.
They are also known for their hunting abilities and for being apex predators.
However, there are some notable differences between lions and cats.
For one, lions are much larger than cats.
Finally, lions are social animals that live in groups (called prides), while cats are mostly solitary creatures.
Scientific NameLeopardus wiediiType of AnimalMammalRangeCentral and South America
The margay (Leopardus wiedii) is a small spotted cat native to Central and South America.
They are also excellent jumpers and can leap up to 16 feet (5 meters) in the air.
Scientific NameLeopardus pardalisType of AnimalMammalRange Central and South America
The ocelot is a small wild cat that is found in Central and South America.
This cat has a spotted coat that is similar to a leopard’s.
The ocelot is about the same size as a housecat and weighs around 15 pounds.
Scientific NameLeopardus tigrinusType of AnimalMammalRangecentral Brazil and Peru north into Costa Rica
The oncilla, also called the tigrina, is a small wild cat native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil.
It is one of the smallest cat species in the world, with an average body length of only 15 inches (38 cm).
The oncilla has a brown or reddish coat with dark spots and streaks.
Its tail is also spotted and has a black tip.
Scientific NameLeopardus colocolaType of AnimalMammalRange South America
The Pampas cat is a small wild cat that looks like a miniature version of a cougar.
These cats are found in the grasslands of South America and have short fur that is brown or gray in color.
They are about the size of a housecat and weigh around 4-5 pounds.
Pampas cats are nocturnal hunters that prey on rodents and small birds.
Pumas are one of the animals most often mistaken for cats.
They share many of the same features, including a long tail, pointed ears, and powerful hind legs.
Pumas are actually much larger than cats, however, weighing in at up to 200 pounds.
Scientific NameBassariscus astutusType of AnimalMammalRange North America
As you can probably guess from its name, this animal has a tail that is ringed with black and white stripes.
Ring-tailed cats are also sometimes called “miner’s cats” because they were once kept as pets by miners in the United States.
These cats are native to the deserts of North America and can be found in areas such as Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Scientific NameLeptailurus servalType of AnimalMammalRangeAfrica
The serval is a wild cat that is found in Africa.
It is the tallest of all the wild cats, and it has very long legs.
Servals also have large ears, and they are excellent jumpers.
Servals have dark spots on a light background, which helps them to blend in with the tall grasses of their African habitat.
The snow leopard is a large cat that is native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia.
These cats have long, thick fur that is grey or white with black spots.
They are excellent climbers and can leap great distances.
Snow leopards are endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
Scientific NameGenetta genettaType of AnimalMammalRangeAfrica
This animal is native to Africa and looks like a cross between a cat and a leopard.
It has a long body, spots, and a tail that is longer than its body.
The spotted genet is also smaller than a cat, weighing in at only 2-4 pounds.
Scientific NamePanthera tigrisType of AnimalMammalRangeIndia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan
One of the most popular animals that looks like a cat is a tiger.
Tigers are actually a type of wild cat, so it’s no surprise that they share some similarities with our domesticated cats.
For example, both tigers and cats have stripes.
However, there are some key differences between these two animals.
For one, tigers are much larger than cats.
Related Article: What Eats Tigers?
Wild Cats
Wild Cats
Scientific NameFelis silvestrisType of AnimalMammalRangeEurope, southwestern Asia
There are a few different species of wild cats that look strikingly similar to house cats.
For example, the serval is a tall, slim cat with long legs and large ears.
These cats are found in Africa and typically have either spots or stripes on their fur.
Servals are also known for their ability to jump high and run fast.
Another type of wild cat that looks like a house cat is a caracal.
These cats are found in Africa and Asia and are characterized by their reddish-brown fur and black markings on their faces.
Caracals are also known for their long, black tufts of hair that protrude from their ears.
Animals like cats have all sorts of different breeds and sizes, but they share some very similar features to felines such as their lithe bodies and sharp claws for climbing trees.
The animals that we’ve mentioned in this article may not actually be members of the cat family, but there’s no denying how much these creatures resemble our feline friends.
Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal.
But did you know that there are several other animals that share similar characteristics with our feline friends?
From their physical appearance to their behavior, these 20 animals are some of the most similar to cats:
Bobcats are a species of wild cats found in North America.
They have a similar appearance to domesticated cats, with short, reddish-brown fur and black spots.
Bobcats are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to domestic cats.
Lynx are a group of medium-sized wild cats found in the boreal forests of Eurasia and North America.
Lynx are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to domestic cats.
Ocelots are a species of wild cat found in Central and South America.
Ocelots are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to domestic cats.
Servals are a species of wild cat found in Africa.
Servals are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to domestic cats.
Caracals are a species of wild cat found in Africa and Asia.
Caracals are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to domestic cats.
Genets are a group of small carnivorous mammals found in Africa and Europe.
Genets are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to domestic cats.
Civets are a group of small carnivorous mammals found in Africa and Asia.
Civets are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to domestic cats.
Fossa are a species of large carnivorous mammal found in Madagascar.
Fossa are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to domestic cats.
Margays are a species of wild cat found in Central and South America.
Margays are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to domestic cats.
Pumas are a species of wild cat found in North and South America.
Pumas are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to domestic cats.
Leopards are a species of wild cat found in Africa and Asia.
Leopards are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to domestic cats.
Cheetahs are a species of wild cat found in Africa and Asia.
Cheetahs are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to domestic cats.
Tigers are a species of wild cat found in Asia.
Tigers are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to domestic cats.
Jaguars are a species of wild cat found in Central and South America.
Jaguars are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to domestic cats.
Clouded leopards are a species of wild cat found in Asia.
Clouded leopards are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to domestic cats.
Snow Leopards are a species of wild cat found in Central Asia.
They have a similar appearance to domestic cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
They have a similar appearance to domestic cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
They have a similar appearance to domestic cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
They have a similar appearance to domestic cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
They have a similar appearance to domestic cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
They have a similar appearance to domestic cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
They have a similar appearance to domestic cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
They have a similar appearance to domestic cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
They have a similar appearance to domestic cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
They have a similar appearance to domestic cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
They have a similar appearance to domestic cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
They have a similar appearance to domestic cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
They have a similar appearance to domestic cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
They have a similar appearance to domestic cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
They have a similar appearance to domestic cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
Snow Leopards are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to domestic cats.
Domestic Siamese cats
Domestic Siamese cats have a similar appearance to other wild cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
Domestic Bengal cats
Domestic Bengal cats have a similar appearance to other wild cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
Domestic Savannah cats
Domestic Savannah cats have a similar appearance to other wild cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
They are great hunters and feed on small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents.
Domestic Maine Coon cats
Domestic Maine Coon cats have a similar appearance to other wild cats, with short, thick fur and black spots.
They are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to wild cats.
They are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to wild cats.
They are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to wild cats.
They are also known for their agility and hunting skills, similar to wild cats.