Geoffroy's Cat

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iGeoffroy's Cat

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Family:	Felidae
Genus:	Oncifelis
Species:	O. geoffroyi

Binomial name

Oncifelis geoffroyi
(d'Orbigny & Gervais, 1844)

The Geoffroy's cat is probably the most common wild cat in South America. It is about the size of a domestic cat. Their fur has black spots, but the background color varies from region to region; in the north, a brownish yellow coat is most common. Farther south, their coats are grayish. Melanism is quite common both in the wild and in captivity.

The Geoffroy's cat primarily preys on rodents, small lizards, insects, and occasionally frogs and fish; they are at the top of the food chain. Although they appear to be plentiful, some conservationists are concerned because the Geoffroy's cat is hunted extensively for its pelt.

Geoffroy's cat facts: Only about 4-8 pounds, has a long lail and long legs. Also, there has been attempts to breed this cat with domestic cats, but very little success. Also, pregnant females appear to take extra care in choosing where they give birth to their kittens. Geoffroy's cat kittens devolop very quickly and at about 6 weeks they are fully mobile.

The species inhabits the Andes, Pampas (scrubby forest parts), and Gran Chaco landscape.

[edit] Named after

The Geoffroy's Cat is named after the 19th century French zoologist Etienne Geoffroy Sait-Hilaire who identified Geoffroy's Cat as a different species when he studied his work as a professor of zoology in Paris, France.

[edit] References

Cat Specialist Group (2002). Oncifelis geoffroyi. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 09 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is near threatened

Also: Thank you "The Encyclopedia of the Cat" by Micheal Pollard Copyright Parragon 1999 2003 Barnes&Noble Books for more info.