Black-footed cats are strictly carnivorous, with a hunting success rate that surpasses many larger carnivores. They hunt small birds, rodents and other small vertebrates.
Some researchers have dubbed this feline the “anthill tiger” because of its efficient hunting strategy and ability to take down prey species larger than itself.
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They hunt at night and can travel several miles in search of food. Males, in particular, maintain large home ranges and mark territory using scent marking.
Radio collars used in tracking studies have shown that they prefer areas with dense vegetation and are often seen near prey-rich zones with small rodents and birds.
Interestingly, black-footed cats don’t often drink water directly. Instead, they get most of their hydration from the prey they consume. Their body size and metabolic adaptations allow them to survive extended periods without free-standing water.
