A common question is whether foxes are larger than cats. Understanding their typical dimensions clarifies this comparison.
Comparing Typical Sizes
Most fox species are larger than domestic cats. The common red fox (Vulpes vulpes) weighs between 7 and 31 pounds (3.2 to 14 kg), though some individuals can reach up to 35 pounds (15.8 kg). Their body length ranges from 18 to 35 inches (46 to 89 cm), with a tail length of 14 to 16 inches (35 to 41 cm). Red foxes stand about 14 to 20 inches (35 to 51 cm) tall at the shoulder.
The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is slightly smaller but still exceeds the size of a domestic cat. These foxes weigh between 6 and 17 pounds (2.7 to 7.7 kg). Their body length ranges from 18 to 27 inches (46 to 68 cm), with a bushy tail adding 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm). Arctic foxes stand 9.8 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) at the shoulder.
In contrast, a domestic cat (Felis catus) weighs between 8 and 12 pounds (3.6 to 5.4 kg). Their head-to-body length averages about 18 inches (46 cm), with a tail 12 inches (30 cm) long. Most domestic cats stand 9 to 10 inches (23 to 25 cm) tall at the shoulder. These measurements show that common fox species are both heavier and taller than the domestic cat.
Beyond Size: Other Ways to Tell Them Apart
While size can be a differentiator, other physical characteristics help distinguish foxes from cats, especially when direct size comparison is difficult. Foxes possess a more elongated and pointed snout compared to the shorter, more rounded face of a domestic cat. This difference in facial structure contributes to their distinct profiles.
A fox’s tail is bushy and makes up a significant portion of its total length, sometimes with a distinctive white tip. Domestic cats have tails that vary in length and bushiness depending on the breed, but they are not as thick or prominently tipped as a fox’s. Foxes also have more upright and triangular ears that are larger in proportion to their head than those of many domestic cat breeds.
The body build also differs, with foxes having a more slender and agile appearance, with longer legs. Their bone structure is lighter. These features, combined with their characteristic gaits, offer visual cues beyond just their dimensions.
How Species Differences Affect Size
Most foxes are larger than domestic cats, but diversity within both groups introduces exceptions. The fennec fox (Vulpes zerda), the smallest fox species, is smaller than a domestic cat. A fennec fox weighs 2 to 3 pounds (0.9 to 1.4 kg) and stands 8 inches (20 cm) tall. Its body length is 14 to 16 inches (35 to 41 cm), with a tail adding 7 to 12 inches (18 to 30 cm). This makes a fennec fox comparable to, or even smaller than, domestic cat breeds.
Conversely, larger domestic cat breeds, such as the Maine Coon, can reach substantial sizes, with males weighing up to 25 pounds (11.3 kg) and growing to 40 inches (102 cm) in length, including their tail. These larger cat breeds can overlap in size with smaller individual foxes or smaller fox species. However, when considering the typical members of both groups, foxes exhibit a larger size than domestic cats.