History is filled with some of the most amazing animals. Some of those very animals still live today – while others are long gone. However, perhaps nothing has been more romanticized in world history than predatory cats. In Ancient Greece and Egypt, big and small cats of all types were a consistent part of the culture.
Some were used in Gladiator battles with humans as well as other animals. Meanwhile, others were worshipped like Gods and humans made them part of everyday life. However, big cats were around well before humans arrived. Yet we often misinterpret what a “cat” is versus what can appear as one.
This list will help set the record straight about some of the greatest predatory cats in history while also going over some you’ve never seen before. The list will be comprised of extinct cats as well as those around in the present day. We will also be including hybrids due to the need for people to know more about them.
We hope you enjoy the list and learn something new along the way!
40. Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
- Current ICUN Status: Least Concerned
- Typical Location(s): North America
- Diet: Insects, Deer, Chicken, Geese, Rodents
Bobcats are incredible animals and a species that comes from the Lynx family of cats. Bobcats are normally located in North America and have been a massive part of the ecosystem for hundreds of years. The Lynx family of cats is abundant across both American continents, but the Bobcat is only native to the Northern end. They can also be tough to predict as their diet will always depend on their location.
The average Bobcat will eat things like insects, small rodents, and other small mammals. However, if their habitat includes other types of animals, they’ll evolve to hunt the bigger animals. This is why Bobcats are also known for taking down chickens, geese, and even multiple deer. Bobcats can be quite territorial, and it’s one of the reasons they attack bigger animals, including humans. Though it is rare for a Bobcat to go after humans, mothers will attack to protect their young.