Oncifelis geoffroyi,the Geoffroy’s cat, is native to Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil and parts of Chile in South American. These cats are very adaptable, being found in many types of habitat such as forest, scrub, pampas and mountains. Geoffroy’s cats are not endangered in their range countries, but to insure that they are not over harvested for the fur trade, they are given the same level of protection as ocelots and margays in international trade. They are listed as CITES I felines.

This small feline averages only 6 to 10 pounds at maturity.  Geoffroy’s can be beautifully spotted, or rosetted, and they have a melanistic color phase. Adults can be fed a diet of mice, rats, chicks, chopped chicken parts, rabbit or beef. They like hard-boiled eggs, and some will eat commercial cat food as well, including Zupreem, which is made for wild felines.

Geoffroys are speedy little cats, always on the move. When Geoffroys are hand reared, they can be extremely affectionate and purry, inquisitive of people, and a joy to live with.  When rearing adolescent Geoffroy's in a home, it is critically important that all doorways have double entrances, as they can quickly slip past you and if they get outdoors, their natural curiosity can cause them to travel and get into trouble.

All adult Geoffroys have very intense urine when they mature. Like the other feline species, they have an instinctual need to scent mark their territory, and if it happens to be your home, you will not enjoy the smell. So even though these are loveable small felines, they are not ideal house pets.

Instead, Geoffroys can be housed outside. Build them an environment that enables them to exercise and expend their boundless energy. They like to climb, and be up high and run across ramps. They need plenty of hiding places too. The enclosure wire needs to be small enough to prevent escape. You will be surprised at the corrosive nature of their urine. In just a matter of a few years, it can eat through thick galvanized wire. Where they decide to scent mark, such as doorways, will require some maintenance to replace the wire.

The Geoffroy population in the US is limited, and it is important that they be carefully monitored to insure they do not go extinct. It is very difficult to import new genetics into the US; therefore breeders need to make efforts to insure that offspring representing each genetic line is placed into breeding facilities. The diversion of important Geoffroy genetics into hybrid breeding programs, or into pet homes where they are sterilized and cannot be returned to breeding condition has the potential to impair the survival of this species.

At NOAH, we have had limited success with our breeding programs, but are looking forward to a brighter future. Three new potential breeding pairs have been reared here and we hope to see kittens in 2009.

Copyright© 2008 & 2009  N.O.A.H.
Feline Conservation Center
All rights reserved.
Site design by Gary Fulgham