Riverbanks helps smallest cat in the world
Contributed by Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Black footed kitten

A black- footed kitten was born on March 7, 2008, to parents Hiari and Alex at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

"The role that Riverbanks has played in sustaining the captive population of black- footed cats is tremendous," said John Davis, curator of mammals at Riverbanks. "For more than a decade Riverbanks has been successfully breeding black- footed cats, and we hope that success will continue."

The black- footed cat is considered to be a rare and endangered species. There are currently 33 black- footed cats in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, 17 of which were born at Riverbanks.

The new kitten is the second black- footed kitten to be born at Riverbanks since 2001 and the second offspring for Hiari and Alex. Their first kitten, a female, was born in February of 2007 and spent a year at Riverbanks before being sent to Louisville Zoo based on breeding recommendations provided by the Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Black- footed cats are similar in appearance to house cats. They typically weigh three to four pounds making them the smallest cat species in the world. The black- footed cat gets its name from the black soles of its feet. This genetic trait, along with extra fur, helps protect its feet when traveling on the hot savannas in its native region of South Africa.

Litters typically range from one to four kittens with the female cat acting as the primary caregiver. Not only does this birth enhance the captive population in the United States, it also provides a unique opportunity to educate the public about these endangered felines. Riverbanks will continue to breed the pair in hopes of producing more offspring.