Aw, the all too common bobcat story. Bobcat kittens are cute and start out little, but grow into their full wild selves as they mature. Please remember bobcats do not make good pets! Bobcats are the most requested or needed rescue of all privately-owned wildcats. They are illegal to own in many locations and/or need bobcat specialized care, nutrition, and respect.
AMALA
Amala was once kept as a pet by a private owner. Although Amala was bred and raised in a captive environment, as with all bobcats, she still holds a wild demeanor. Despite the care her previous owners provided for her, as she matured, she proved to be too dangerous for them to keep. We were contacted and asked to provide a home for her. Adopting her was the logical choice. Initially a very shy cat, having lived isolated for years prior to her arrival, Amala is now one of our more visible bobcats as she continues to develop trust in the zookeepers and her environment. Born February 2011.
BONNIE
Bonnie was donated by her private owner to our facility after circumstances made it impossible for him to care for her anymore. His message that he wanted us to spread was clear: adopting a bobcat was one of the worst choices he had ever made, and Bonnie’s story was not one to copy. We took her in near the start of 2020. At 13 and a half years old and 58 pounds, Bonnie underwent a slow, but steady, weight loss regime as she settled into her new surroundings and got to know our staff. Her slimmer body allows her to be more active and to live a longer life. Born July 4, 2007.
OAKLEY
Oakley is currently our youngest bobcat. She came to live at Cat Tales in late 2019. She has all the ferocity and sass of a young bobcat with the energy to boot, almost never staying still for photos and eagerly challenging anyone to try and prove just how tough she is. Human, bobcat toys, all face her tiny wrath! (Except for her favorite teddy bear, who is for cuddles and nap time). Oakley is our “pirate cat” having lost her right eye to an injury when she was young. This has not affected her ability to be bobcat fast and playfully fierce. Born August 4, 2019.
STITCHES
Stitches was orphaned in the wild in South Dakota where he was temporarily taken in by the Great Plains Zoo. Cat Tales was contacted as a permanent placement in August 2009 when Stitches was just five weeks old. He arrived by plane and got his name from the idea that he would cause many humans to need stitches if they got too close, due to his dangerously playful personality! Nowadays he likes to play ‘Watch Cat,’ keeping a careful eye on the work of our keepers to make sure that no one slacks off on their job while under his watch. If it is hard to see him, look closer. He has expert camouflage traits that help him hide in his enclosure! Born June 2009.
Bobcat Facts
The Bobcat - Lynx rufus
Habitat: North America, all regions;
Lifespan: Wild 3-12 years; Captivity 15-20 years;
Diet: Carnivore;
Status: Least concern;
Interesting and little-known facts about bobcats:
Bobcats are medium-sized wild cats found throughout North America. They are known for their short, "bobbed" tail, tufted ears, and spotted fur.
They are excellent climbers and can easily scale trees to escape predators or hunt prey.
Bobcats are also great hunters and have a varied diet that includes small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
They are solitary animals and only come together to mate.
Bobcats are very adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, from deserts to forests.
Myths and Misconceptions:
Myth: Bobcats are dangerous to humans.
Reality: Bobcats are generally shy and avoid humans. They are not a threat to humans unless they feel cornered or threatened.
Myth: Bobcats are a threat to pets and livestock.
Reality: While bobcats may occasionally prey on small pets or livestock, they primarily hunt small mammals like rabbits and rodents.
Myth: Bobcats are endangered.
Reality: While bobcats are not currently considered endangered, they are threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
Myth: Bobcats are closely related to domestic cats.
Reality: While bobcats belong to the same family (Felidae) as domestic cats, they are a distinct species with their own unique characteristics and behaviors.
Myth: Bobcats are a type of lynx.
Reality: While bobcats are sometimes called "bay lynx," they are not true lynx. Lynx are larger cats with distinctive tufted ears and live in colder regions of the world.