The Geoffroy's or Geoffrey Cat, named after the 19th
century naturalist, Geoffroy St Hilaire, is found throughout southern
South America, east of the Andes. With individuals found inhabiting
areas around the Straits of Magellan, along with the Puma it is the most
southerly of the world’s wildcat species.
Large adult males can measure up to 9 to 12 pounds. However the body
size of Geoffroy's Cat varies considerably throughout its range - cats
found in the northern areas are generally somewhat smaller than those
found in Southern Argentina and Patagonia. The base fur coloration is
also greatly dependent on location. Cats to the north have a ground
color of reddish/yellow fur, while cats to the south have gray base
coloration, with considerable variation between these extremes through
other parts of its range. The cat is marked by
small black spots of equal size, spaced evenly over its body. These
spots merge into stripped markings around the neck, chest and face. The undersides of the body and chin are lighter and the tail is covered
with black bands and usually ending in a solid black tip. The backs of
the ears are black with a central white spot except for the melanistic
which do not have the white on the back of the ears. Melanistic (black
with black spots) cats are sometimes common to the north of the cats
range. They are also more common in areas of dense forest.
Described as primarily nocturnal, late day and early morning activity
have been observed in this predominantly solitary cat. Although spending
much of its time, hunting and foraging on the ground, there is much
evidence to suggest extensive arboreal activity. Geoffroy Cats are agile
climbers and jumpers. Geoffroy's Cat often sleeps in the lower branches
of trees.
Mating activity has also been noted to take place above the ground.
Kittens at the age of six weeks are able to climb well and are fearless
of heights as well as many other animals that are larger than they are. Geoffroy's Cat have been described as being good swimmers and able to
navigate fast flowing waters.
Territorially, the home range of the Geoffroys Cat is
considered small. The female’s range being approximately 2.5 km and the
males about three times this size - it is common for the range of
several females to often overlap. The male’s home range is reported to
encompass that of several females but not to overlap those of other
males. Because of their relatively small home range and general
abundance of diverse prey species, in a suitable habitat it is thought
that the population of the Geoffroy's Cat could be high if it weren’t
for the poaching.
Hunted extensively throughout its range for its fur,
Geoffroy's Cat is one of the most hunted of wildcat species. However,
Geoffroy's Cat is still the most highly populated of all South American
wild cats and it is possibly due to this large population that as many
as 150,000 are traded annually. Approximately 25 Geoffroy’s Cat pelts are used to
make one jacket.
Geoffroy's Cats are associated with a wide variety of habitat types.
However it appears to have a preference for thick cover and scrubby
vegetation. This preference for dense ground cover enables Geoffroy's
Cat to share much of its range with the Pampas Cat, which is more
closely associated with open woodland and grasslands. Geoffroy Cats are
also known to share areas with Margays, Ocelots, and Jaguars.
Long known as a member of the Felis genus it has also been placed with
the ocelot as a Leopardus species. Species in the Leopardus and
Oncifelis genera have only 36 chromosomes, other cats have 38 (Scheffel
and Hemmer 1975). It has also been placed in the same genus (Oncifelis)
as the closely related pampas cat and the kodkod (C. Wozencraft. A
Taxonomy of the Felidae. Cat News 18, 1993, p. 24).
Size: Geoffroy’s average weight is 4 to 13 pounds. Height at
shoulders: approximately 6 to 10 inches. Length of head and body:
approximately 17 to 25 inches. Tail length: approximately 9 to 12
inches.
Reproduction:
Oestrus lasts between 2 and 7 days. After mating, the male takes
little part in the raising of the young. After a gestation period of
approximately 70 days, the female gives birth to 1 - 4 kittens
(typically 2) Kittens weigh between 2 ½ and 3 ½ ounces at birth.
Diet
In the wild Geoffroy’s cats hunt small birds, lizards, insects and
rodents. In captivity they eat raw chicken, turkey, deer, beef, and the
occasional rodent. We use the Oasis vitamins and calcium supplement
sprinkled on the meat daily.
F.A.Q.’s
Do Geoffroy cats make good pets?
For the right people they can be. When hand raised they enjoy spending
time playing with their human family. Geoffroys are a very energetic cat
that loves to climb and jump, something to keep in mind when “cat
proofing” your home.
Do they need a special diet?
YES. They should be fed raw meat with vitamins and calcium supplement
like Oasis from Apperon or Mazuri.
Can they be litter box trained?
Yes when started young.
Can they be leash trained?
Yes, it works best to start them on a harness and leash when they are
young.
NOTICE: For exotic animals you MUST check your State, City, and County laws. If you place a deposit on an animal and we find it is illegal for you to own, your deposit will not be refunded. So Please check your laws before you pay for or place a deposit on an animal.
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Contact information
Jeannie & Matt Baker
phone: 913-367-4116
E-mail Bakers@kanzakitty.com