Hey Lykkers! We've all heard of "mountain cats" at some point, but have you ever wondered which kind of wild cat that actually refers to? Today, we're going to break down the different types of cats that people commonly call "mountain cats."

You might be surprised at how many animals are included in this group!

The Short-Tailed Cat: The Narrow Definition of Mountain Cat

Let's start with the most common type—the short-tailed cat, which is often called the "big mountain cat" in various documentaries and nature programs. This medium-sized wild cat is well known for its adaptability to different environments, often living in dense vegetation or mountainous regions. Its name, "big mountain cat," likely comes from the fact that it's commonly found in hilly and mountainous areas, especially in the plains of North America.

The short-tailed cat, also known as the bobcat, is native to North America, with populations spread across the United States, southern Canada, and northern Mexico. It's one of the most widely distributed and abundant wild cats in the region. This cat is incredibly skilled at adapting to different habitats, which has helped it thrive over time. These cats are fierce hunters, capable of taking down prey as large as a 70-kilogram (about 150-pound) deer!

The Lynx: The Broader Definition of Mountain Cat

Now, when we talk about mountain cats, we don't just mean the short-tailed cat. The term "mountain cat" can also refer to any of the species in the Lynx genus, which includes a variety of wild cats commonly known for their love of mountainous and forested regions. In the famous novel "The Story of the Mountain Cat," the protagonist is the Eurasian lynx, which is also considered a type of mountain cat. In Taiwan, people refer to the Eurasian lynx as the "Eurasian mountain cat," while the short-tailed cat is often called the "American mountain cat."

Like the short-tailed cat, lynx species generally prefer forested or hilly areas, often living in high-altitude regions. For example, in China, the Eurasian lynx is found in the mountainous areas of northeast and northwest China, as well as the Tibetan Plateau.

There are four species of lynx: the Eurasian lynx, Canadian lynx, Spanish lynx, and the short-tailed cat. All of these cats share certain characteristics, such as large ears with tufts of hair at the tips, a short tail, and a generally large face with a somewhat regal, yet adorable appearance. They are all medium-sized cats, with the Eurasian lynx being the largest at 15-25 kilograms (33-55 pounds), while the other three species weigh about half that amount.

The Chinese Mountain Cat: The Desert Lynx

Next up, we have the desert cat, a unique wild cat native to China, which has often been called the "Chinese mountain cat" in English. Originally, this cat was referred to as the "desert cat" in English, but the term "desert cat" had already been taken by a different species of wildcat found in Africa and Asia. So, in 1992, experts decided to rename it the "Chinese mountain cat."

This cat is found mainly in the western plateau regions of China, such as Qinghai, Tibet, and Sichuan. It weighs about 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) and is a skilled hunter of rodents in these harsh environments.

The Andean Mountain Cat: A True Mountain Dweller

The Andean mountain cat, native to South America, is a small wild cat that inhabits the high Andes Mountains. This cat weighs between 4-5 kilograms (8.8-11 pounds) and is truly a "mountain cat" in the most literal sense. Its habitat is confined to the high-altitude regions of the Andes, making it a true mountain specialist. For clarity, this cat is sometimes called the "puna cat," and it shouldn't be shortened to just "mountain cat" to avoid confusion with other species.

The Yaeyama Mountain Cat: The Leopard Cat's Subspecies

In the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, there's a cat known as the Yaeyama mountain cat, which is actually a subspecies of the leopard cat. Found only on the island of Ishigaki, this cat weighs around 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds). Despite being a subspecies of the leopard cat, it's often referred to as a "mountain cat" in Taiwan, and this term is even used in some scientific literature. However, it's more accurately called the "Yaeyama leopard cat" to reflect its true classification.

What About the Snow Leopard?

You might be wondering, what about the snow leopard? While the snow leopard does live in mountainous regions like the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau, it's not officially called a "mountain cat" in either English or Chinese. The name "snow leopard" is more fitting, as it belongs to the Panthera genus, not the Lynx genus.

Similarly, while mountain lions (also known as cougars or pumas) are often referred to as "mountain cats" in Spanish, this term isn't used in English or Chinese.

Lykkers, as you can see, the term "mountain cat" is not used to refer to a single species. Instead, it can refer to a variety of wild cats that live in mountainous or rugged terrains. These include the short-tailed cat, lynx species, the Chinese mountain cat, the Andean mountain cat, and others. When talking about these cats, it's important to use the correct names to avoid confusion. While "mountain cat" is a commonly used term, there's no standardized naming system for these cats in Chinese, which is why it's best to stick with the animals' proper names. So next time you hear about a mountain cat, you'll know exactly which cat is being talked about!