Lynx Cat: Cat Breed Information, Characteristics and Facts

The lynx cat comes from a historical background, possessing unique features that distinguishes them from all other cats. They are bigger in size, have larger paws, and distinctive triangular ears and are also identified by their heavy coat which is often times harvested for some specific types of garments. This specie of cats remain a mystery to all those who set their eyes on them, making them a subject of interest to many. Are you looking to know several exciting facts about this wild cat? Then our article centered on the Lynx cat is guaranteed to be an enjoyable read.

History of the Lynx Cat

The lynx cat is divided into four main species: the bobcat (lynx lynx), Canada lynx (lynx Canadensis), Iberian lynx (lynx pardinus), and the Eurasian lynx (lynx lynx). These cats come from the class of carnivores, and the most ancient Lynx is known to be approximately 4 million years old. Amongst the cat family, the first to show up appeared in areas of Oligocene epoch. As carnivores, these cats spurred into existence from the family of miacids, which is now extinct family. Africa as we know it, was the ancestor of the lynx cat was discovered.

These ancestors are called the lynx issiodorensis, which spread into several areas of the world from where distinctive species started arising. These cats spread into many areas from Africa, and the area which was mostly covered was the northern hemisphere. This is the major reason for the distribution of the bobcat, Iberian lynx, Eurasian lynx, in the places where they are currently situated. These places include North America, Europe, and the Asia respectively.

The Eurasian lynx was said to have entered into the shores of Europe and overtook most of the areas where the Iberian lynx was said to have been distributed. It has also been said that humans may have contributed to the distribution of the lynx in shores of Europe. However, not all the blame goes to humans, because there are several other factors that affected the distribution. The existence of the Eurasian lynx, as well as the ranges where the two major resident lynx cats were said to have been located, then gradually reducing over time, was said to have had a major impact on the distribution of these cats.

Additionally, the Eurasian lynx also played a crucial role in the existence of the Canada lynx, which is the lynx Canadensis. The Eurasian lynx is said to have enlarged its coasts to various portions, but most especially, entering major parts of North America, and having a big influence as to how the Canada lynx was born. After a drastic climate change in this time, when the weather changed from an icy situation, to a warmer weather, the distribution of the lynx expanded more than ever expected.

Quick Facts about the Lynx Cat

• The Iberian lynx has been declared to be the most endangered lynx cat out of the four species of the lynx cats, with several statistical evidence showing that their population is less than 300 in areas of Spain. This was made known to the public in 2013.
• Lynx cats have distinctive features which separates them from other species of cats. They have long legs, and a distinguishing short tail. They are also known to have large paws coherent to their large prints on the ground. Their necks are described to be shorter than other species of cats, and their coat is also fairly different. They have a somewhat great amount of fur that situates well around their necks and the color of this fur is one that is similar to cream, and has a mixture of brown, as well as black on it.
• Lynx cats also have black portions on the tips of their tails, as well as areas on their ears.
• The fur on lynx cats are often harvested to be used for a certain type of garment production. This is contributed to the fact that their coat becomes denser at some particular weathers, and also incredibly soft.
• Due to the preying differences between the Eurasian lynx and other lynx cats, they are larger in size than the rest. Also, the males have a propensity to be bigger than the females. The average weight of a lynx cat is 20 to 40 lbs and the average lynx size of the lynx cat ranges at a total of 60 centimeters, when measured from shoulder length. Their tails, which are distinctively short, are measured at about 10 cm to 20 cm, depending on a lot of factors. The size of the lynx cat also depends on a lot of factors, and is usually from 80 cm, reaching an average mark of 120 cm.
• The North American lynx, which is the Canada lynx, feeds off snowshoe hare. Their decision to preying on these animals renders it smaller in size in comparison to other lynx species. The population of the Canada lynx greatly depends on the population of the prey they are feeding on. This results in a regular increase and decrease of the Canada lynx every decade, depending on its prey.
• Lynx are reserved cats, and are undoubtedly nocturnal. They will maintain this only during the period it’s not mating season. Due to their nature, these animals are known to live by themselves, or live with a minute number of cats.
• Lynx cats are known to be incredible swimmers as well as being great climbers.
• The Eurasian lynx does not maintain a snowshoe hare prey diet, but is known to feed on deer, and similar mammals in such class. The Eurasian lynx are known to live much longer than the speculated time frame of 10 to 12 years.
• Bobcats have coats that could either be gray in color, or could be yellow and gray, depending on the specie of bobcat. The coat also come with dark areas that forms on it naturally, and sometimes occurs more during certain weather conditions. The bobcat was named after the distinguishing look of its tail.
• A domestic lynx cat, which is none other than the bobcats and Canada lynx, due to its relatively small size, and its adaptation level with humans, is a wild cat that makes a good home pet for those that love wild pets.
• Lynx cats have great hearing capacities as well as tremendous eyesight. It is believed that the long hair that is situated on their ears help them to adequately hear their prey and know their whereabouts with ease.
• The lynx name which these species of cats are identified with is believed to have been gotten from the Greek word ‘leukos’. This word can be translated to the English word ‘light’. The lynx cat is said to have been named this solely because of their shining eyes when light is shone on them.
• The major distinguishing factor between a bobcat and other lynx cats is its small feet, whereas, other cats have larger feet.
• Male lynx cats are said to mature at about 2.5 years, while female cats have a shorter maturity period of just 2 years.

Things You Should Know About the Lynx Cat

• Health

There are several vitamins and dietary supplements that are available for the health care for a domestic lynx cat such as the bobcat. These dietary supplements are great for sustaining a bobcat, however, a veterinarian’s help is required for the absolute care of the lynx cat. This means that before acquiring one, it is important to consider if there is the availability of vet in a close range that is ready to care for your cat when certain circumstances occur. This would serve as the best health care strategy that can be implemented for a lynx cat.

• Feeding

There are major factors that greatly affected the feeding techniques of the lynx cat, which is none other than the factor of present prey, alongside the level of hunting competitors. A greater portion of the species of the lynx cat are specific on the type of prey they’d prefer to eat, and the animals that have been chosen for prey include hares and rabbits. Preying on these animals for this specific species of lynx cats paved ways for leanness and a smaller size, which distinctively makes them identifiable from the others.

This has also allowed them to be able to survive extremely well in areas situated with their prey despite it being low density areas which greatly helped the specie of cats to avoid competitive disadvantages with other major predators.

It is also important to note that the Eurasian lynx cat feeds on deer, and all other similar mammals, which is a contributing factor to their big size. If intending to keep a domestic lynx cat, such as a bobcat or a Canadian lynx, a proper diet is required for implementation.

• Care

When intending to keep a domestic lynx cat, the care given greatly determines the overall experience expected to have. Knowing that the lynx cats are generally wild, when keeping them as domestic animals, the utmost care is expected to be given. This is majorly because they weren’t built to conform to the walls of a home, however, essential factors can be used to help them accommodate their new home. It is important to note that lynx cats are bound to bond extremely well with their owners when the utmost care is given.

There are also prone to get attached to other animals in the vicinity, making the environment an entirely pet friendly one. This process works extremely well with a lynx kitten, as they grow up loving other pets that are around. Lynx kittens are also easily adaptable to some sorts of training, even socializing skills. With adequate care and training whilst very young, they relate well even with children. It has been made known that the bobcat is undoubtedly better at socializing with humans, as they tend to adapt extremely well.

When trying to help your domestic lynx cat to adapt to these factors, it is essential that a professional breeder does the better part of the work. This is because these cats are not trained the same way other cats and domestic pets are trained. It is also essential that water pistols are used during these processes, as lynx cats can easily identify this with a wrong action.

Despite the training that is to be given to a lynx cat, it is important to keep in mind that lynx cats are wild cats nonetheless, and will retain traces of wildness. Time for bonding cannot be overemphasized because it will give room for the lynx to get accustomed and familiar with its owner. Appropriate and adequate space is to be given to this cat in order to ascertain its comfortability and done must ensure that a veterinarian for the lynx cat is in close range before acquiring the cat. Additionally, a sustainable diet is to be provided for the lynx cat, and should be given at a constant rate; so, you must weigh all factors before getting a lynx cat in order to be sure you can adequately handle and care for the cat.

• Grooming

Due to the amount of coat on either the bobcat or the Canadian lynx, grooming should be taken as a high priority. Regular brushing is demanded, due to the thick fur situated on this cat. Asides from this, bathing should be adapted when keeping this species of cats.

• Temperaments

Though it has been made known that the bobcats, as well as the Canada lynx, have a propensity to bond well with their owners and pets around, this may undoubtedly differ with each individual cat. This is because adequate factors have to be put into place to achieve this, and if it isn’t done in the right manner, may result in several diversities. Some lynx cats may have friendly temperaments, while others may be extremely reserved. However, lynx kittens are prone to being susceptible to familiarity, even after they have grown.