What animal is similar to a lynx but not a cat? - briefly
The fisher (Pekania pennanti) is an animal that resembles a lynx but is not a cat. It belongs to the weasel family and shares similarities in appearance with the lynx, including its short tail and long hind legs.
What animal is similar to a lynx but not a cat? - in detail
The Eurasian Lynx, while often mistaken for a large domestic cat due to its feline-like appearance and behavior, is not actually a member of the Felidae family. Instead, it belongs to the Lynx genus within the Felinae subfamily, which also includes other lynx species such as the Canada Lynx and Iberian Lynx. The Eurasian Lynx exhibits several distinctive features that set it apart from domestic cats:
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Size and Weight: The Eurasian Lynx is significantly larger than most domestic cat breeds, with a body length of up to 130 cm (51 inches) and a weight ranging from 18 to 30 kg (40 to 66 lbs). By comparison, the average domestic cat weighs between 4 to 5 kg (9 to 11 lbs).
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Ear Tufts: One of the most noticeable differences is the presence of ear tufts on the Eurasian Lynx. These tufts are not seen in domestic cats and serve as a means of communication among lynxes, indicating their mood or intention.
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Paws and Claws: The Eurasian Lynx has large, webbed paws that act like snowshoes, allowing it to traverse deep snow with ease. Additionally, its claws are longer and more curved than those of domestic cats, which aids in hunting and climbing.
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Tail: The tail of the Eurasian Lynx is shorter and less tapered compared to that of domestic cats. It also lacks the distinctive black tip often seen on domestic cat tails.
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Behavior: While both species are solitary, the Eurasian Lynx displays a more territorial behavior, marking its territory with scent glands located in its paws and cheeks. Domestic cats, on the other hand, tend to be less territorial and more sociable within households.
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Diet: The diet of the Eurasian Lynx consists mainly of small to medium-sized mammals such as roe deer, chamois, and wild boar, whereas domestic cats typically feed on smaller prey like mice, birds, and insects.
In summary, while the Eurasian Lynx shares some similarities with domestic cats in terms of appearance and behavior, it is not a cat but rather a distinct species within the Lynx genus. Its size, ear tufts, paws, tail, behavior, and diet all contribute to setting it apart from its feline counterparts.