The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a medium-sized North American wildcat that is naturally elusive. The young of this species are referred to as kittens or kits, similar to domestic cats. Kits are born in a den, typically in a hollow log or rock crevice, and their appearance provides distinct clues to their identity as a wild animal.
Detailed Physical Characteristics
Newborn bobcat kittens weigh approximately 9.75 to 12 ounces at birth. They are born well-furred, with a soft coat that often appears grayish, yellowish-brown, or rusty. The coat is immediately covered in spots, which can manifest as freckles, mottling, or small rosettes, forming effective camouflage. These spots are present from birth and are retained throughout the bobcat’s life.
The kitten’s head is relatively large in proportion to its body and features prominent facial markings. A white spot, or ocellus, is already visible on the back of each ear, which is believed to deter predators. The characteristic ear tufts, prominent on adults, are usually minimal or not yet visible in very young kits. The tail is short and stubby, giving the species its common name. The tail’s upper surface is typically banded or spotted, while the underside is white or lighter, ending in a small black tip.
Developmental Milestones and Appearance Changes
Bobcat kittens are born blind and deaf, completely reliant on their mother. Their eyes open between six and ten days after birth, initially appearing a blue-gray color. This blue hue gradually transitions to the adult eye color, typically hazel or golden brown, as they mature. The kittens begin taking their first steps and exploring the immediate den area at around four weeks of age.
The kittens grow quickly and are usually weaned at about two months old. They begin eating solid food and are ready to travel with their mother to learn hunting skills between three and five months of age. While the ear tufts are minimal at birth, they become more noticeable as the kitten grows. The spotted pattern established at birth remains the same, but the coat becomes less downy and more defined as the kitten approaches adulthood.
Identifying a Baby Bobcat from Other Young Wildlife
Distinguishing a bobcat kit from a domestic kitten can be challenging, but size is a significant indicator. Bobcat kittens are substantially larger than a domestic kitten of the same age, possessing a more robust and muscled physique. Their paws are also noticeably large relative to the body, lending them a sturdy appearance.
The coat pattern is another reliable identifier, as bobcat kittens are invariably spotted, even if the spots are faint or mottled. In contrast, most domestic cats are solid-colored or have a striped tabby pattern. The most definitive visual marker is the tail structure. The bobcat’s short, “bobbed” tail has a specific pattern: a black tip on the top surface and a white or light underside. This unique coloration is distinct from the tail of a domestic feline, even those with naturally short tails like the Manx breed.