The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a widely distributed North American feline. As a medium-sized wild cat, it is significantly larger than a domestic house cat but noticeably smaller than its relative, the Canada lynx. The animal’s size is a direct reflection of its varied habitat and biological characteristics.
Average Weight and Body Length
The body mass of an adult bobcat typically ranges from 7 to 18 kilograms (15 to 40 pounds). The average weight falls around 9.6 kilograms (21 pounds) for a male and 6.8 kilograms (15 pounds) for a female. A bobcat is approximately twice the weight of a large domestic cat, giving it a robust and muscular build.
Body length, measured from the tip of the snout to the base of its distinctive tail, generally spans 65 to 105 centimeters (25 to 41 inches). Some larger individuals have been recorded closer to 125 centimeters (49 inches) in total length. This measurement excludes the tail, which is considered separately due to its short, “bobbed” nature.
Defining Height and Key Features
A bobcat’s height is measured at the shoulder, where it typically stands between 45 and 60 centimeters (18 to 24 inches) tall. Its hind legs are slightly longer than its front legs, which contributes to its characteristic low-slung, powerful stance.
One of the bobcat’s most defining features is its namesake tail, which is notably short compared to other felids. The tail length ranges from 9 to 20 centimeters (3.5 to 7.9 inches). This stubby tail is black on the upper surface near the tip and white on the underside, a pattern that helps distinguish it from other lynx species. Its large, padded paws provide excellent traction and help distribute its weight across various terrains.
Geographic and Sex-Based Size Differences
The large range in bobcat size is primarily explained by two biological factors: sexual dimorphism and geographic location. Sexual dimorphism means that males are consistently larger than females, with adult males often being 30 to 40% heavier than their female counterparts.
Geographic location is another major influence, following a principle known as Bergmann’s Rule. Bobcats inhabiting colder, northern latitudes, such as southern Canada and the northern United States, tend to exhibit the largest body sizes. Conversely, those found closer to the equator, in the southern US and Mexico, are generally smaller and lighter. This variation is an adaptation where a larger body mass helps the animal retain heat more efficiently in colder environments.