Bobcat vs. Wildcat — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 2, 2023
A Bobcat is a North American wildcat species, while "wildcat" is a general term for any undomesticated cat species.
Difference Between Bobcat and Wildcat
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
The Bobcat is a species of wildcat found in North America, known for its short, "bobbed" tail. Wildcats, on the other hand, encompass a variety of wild feline species worldwide.
Bobcats are a specific type of wildcat with distinctive tufted ears and spotted fur. Wildcats are a broad category that includes species such as the European wildcat and the African wildcat.
While all bobcats are wildcats, not all wildcats are bobcats. The term "wildcat" is more inclusive and is not restricted to a single species.
Bobcats tend to be smaller than some wildcat species, like lions and tigers, but are larger and more robust than others, like the ocelot or the domestic cat.
Wildcats, as a group, vary widely in habitat and size, while bobcats have specific characteristics that set them apart, such as their adaptable nature to various North American environments.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Scientific Name
Lynx rufus
Varies (e.g., Felis silvestris for European wildcat)
Location
North America
Worldwide, depending on species
Size
Medium-sized
Size varies widely among species
Tail
Short and "bobbed"
Tail length varies
Habitat
Forests, swamps, desert edges
Diverse, includes forests, grasslands, deserts
Compare with Definitions
Bobcat
Known for its tufted ears and spotted coat.
The bobcat's distinctive markings help it blend into the forest underbrush.
Wildcat
Ranges from the Scottish wildcat to the African wildcat.
The conservation of the Scottish wildcat is of great concern due to hybridization.
Bobcat
Predominantly nocturnal and elusive to humans.
The trail camera captured a bobcat prowling at night.
Wildcat
Characterized by living outside of human cultivation.
Wildcats are often elusive, living hidden lives away from human settlements.
Bobcat
A solitary and territorial animal.
The bobcat marks its territory with claw marks on trees.
Wildcat
Some species exhibit a distinctive tabby pattern.
The wildcat kitten showed the classic tabby markings of its species.
Bobcat
An adaptable predator that preys on various small to medium-sized animals.
The bobcat successfully hunted a rabbit for its meal.
Wildcat
Wild in nature and usually avoids human contact.
The wildcat was seen darting away into the underbrush as hikers approached.
Bobcat
A medium-sized North American wildcat with a bobbed tail.
A bobcat was spotted near the campground at dusk.
Wildcat
The wildcat is a species complex comprising two small wild cat species, the European wildcat (Felis silvestris) and the African wildcat (F. lybica). The European wildcat inhabits forests in Europe and the Caucasus, while the African wildcat inhabits semi-arid landscapes and steppes in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Central Asia, into western India and western China.
Bobcat
The bobcat (Lynx rufus), also known as the red lynx, is a medium-sized cat native to North America. It ranges from southern Canada through most of the contiguous United States to Oaxaca in Mexico.
Wildcat
Any of various wild felines of small to medium size, including the bobcat and the caracal.
Bobcat
A wild cat (Lynx rufus) of North America, having spotted reddish-brown fur, tufted ears, and a short tail. Also called bay lynx.
Wildcat
A small wild feline (Felis silvestris) of Eurasia and Africa, generally regarded as being the ancestor of the domestic cat.
Bobcat
A North American wildcat, Lynx rufus, having tufted ears and a short tail.
Wildcat
A quick-tempered person.
Bobcat
A multi-purpose construction vehicle, akin to a smaller version of a front-end loader or a backhoe (backhoe loader), with a one-man caged control cabin.
Wildcat
A person regarded as fierce.
Bobcat
Small lynx (Lynx rufus) of North America.
Wildcat
An oil or natural-gas well drilled in an area not known to be productive.
Bobcat
Small lynx of North America
Wildcat
A workers' strike unauthorized by their union.
Wildcat
Risky or unsound, especially financially.
Wildcat
Issued by a financially irresponsible bank
Wildcat currency.
Wildcat
Operating or accomplished outside the norms of standard, ethical business procedures
Wildcat life insurance schemes.
Wildcat
Of, relating to, or being an oil or natural-gas well drilled speculatively in an area not known to be productive.
Wildcat
Undertaken by workers without approval of the officials of their union
A wildcat strike.
Wildcat
To prospect for (oil, for example) in an area supposed to be unproductive.
Wildcat
To prospect for oil or other minerals in an area not known to be productive.
Wildcat
To go out on an unauthorized labor strike.
Wildcat
A cat that lives in the wilderness, specifically
Wildcat
(UK) Felis silvestris, a common small Old World wild cat somewhat larger than a house cat.
Wildcat
(US) A bobcat (Lynx rufus) or other similar New World species of lynx.
Wildcat
Any feral cat.
Wildcat
(uncommon) wild cat, any undomesticated felid, as tigers or lions.
Wildcat
(figurative) A person who acts like a wildcat, usually a violent and easily-angered person or a sexually vigorous one.
Wildcat
(American football) An offensive formation with an unbalanced line and a snap directly to the running back rather than the quarterback.
Wildcat
(nautical) A wheel that can be adjusted so as to revolve either with or on the shaft of a capstan.
Wildcat
(firearms) wildcat cartridge.
Wildcat
(uncommon) wildcat strike, a strike undertaken without authorization from the relevant trade union.
Wildcat
(obsolete) wildcat money, notes issued by a wildcat bank.
Wildcat
Of or concerning businesses operating outside standard or legitimate practice, especially:
Wildcat
Of or concerning irresponsible banks or banking, particularly small, independent operations.
Wildcat
(oil industry) Of or concerning oil exploration in new areas, particularly small, independent operations.
Wildcat
Of or concerning actions undertaken by workers without approval or in defiance of the formal leadership of their trade unions.
Wildcat
(firearms) Of or concerning customized or hand-made cartridges.
Wildcat
Unauthorized by the proper authorities.
Wildcat
(oil industry) To drill for oil in an area where no oil has been found before.
You'd have to be very rich or very desperate to go wildcatting that far east.
Wildcat
An exploratory oil well drilled in land not known to be an oil field
Wildcat
A cruelly rapacious person
Wildcat
Any small or medium-sized cat resembling the domestic cat and living in the wild
Wildcat
Outside the bounds of legitimate or ethical business practices;
Wildcat currency issued by irresponsible banks
Wildcat stock speculation
A wildcat airline
Wildcat life insurance schemes
Wildcat
Without official authorization;
An unauthorized strike
Wildcat work stoppage
Wildcat
(of a mine or oil well) drilled speculatively in an area not known to be productive;
Drilling there would be strictly a wildcat operation
A wildcat mine
Wildcat drilling
Wildcat wells
Wildcat
A term encompassing all undomesticated cat species.
Wildcats differ greatly in size and habitat preferences.
Common Curiosities
Are bobcats dangerous to humans?
While typically shy and elusive, bobcats can be dangerous if threatened or rabid.
What is a bobcat?
A bobcat is a medium-sized predator native to North America with a bobbed tail.
Do bobcats climb trees?
Yes, bobcats are skilled climbers.
What do wildcats eat?
Wildcats are carnivorous and primarily hunt live prey.
How long do bobcats live?
Bobcats live for about 10-12 years in the wild.
Define wildcat in general terms.
A wildcat refers to any non-domesticated feline species.
Can you domesticate a wildcat?
Wildcats are not typically domesticated and thrive in their natural, wild environment.
Where can you find wildcats?
Wildcats are found worldwide in a variety of ecosystems.
Do all wildcats look the same?
No, wildcats vary widely in appearance based on their species and environment.
How do conservation efforts for wildcats differ globally?
Conservation efforts are tailored to the specific needs and threats faced by each wildcat species in their regions.
Are wildcats endangered?
Some wildcat species are endangered, while others are not.
How does a bobcat differ from other wildcats?
Bobcats are specifically adapted to North American habitats and have unique physical characteristics like their short tails.
Are bobcat populations stable?
Bobcat populations are considered stable and are not endangered.
How do bobcats communicate?
Bobcats communicate through vocalizations, visual signals, and scent marking.
What habitat do bobcats prefer?
Bobcats are adaptable but prefer wooded areas, swamps, and semi-desert regions.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Alpaca vs. Camel
Next Comparison
Dematerialization vs. RematerializationAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
