The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a medium-sized feline distributed across North America, ranging from southern Canada down to central Mexico. It is the smallest member of the Lynx genus, yet it is a formidable predator adapted to diverse environments. Individual bobcats exhibit considerable variation in weight and length across their vast range. Defining the typical size requires looking at established averages and the biological variables that shape an individual animal’s full growth potential.
Standard Measurements of an Adult Bobcat
The typical size of a fully grown bobcat falls within a broad spectrum, reflecting the species’ adaptability. An average adult male typically weighs around 9.6 kilograms (21 pounds), while adult females average about 6.8 kilograms (15 pounds). The overall weight range spans from approximately 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds) for large individuals.
The bobcat’s length is measured from the head to the base of its characteristic short, or “bobbed,” tail. This measurement ranges from 47.5 to 125 centimeters (18.7 to 49.2 inches), with the average adult measuring about 82.7 centimeters (32.6 inches) long. The tail typically measures between 9 and 20 centimeters (3.5 to 7.9 inches).
The bobcat stands relatively low to the ground, possessing a stocky, muscular build. The typical shoulder height ranges from 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches). The bobcat is an intermediate-sized predator, significantly larger than a domestic cat but smaller than other North American wild felines.
Key Factors Determining Size Variability
The wide range in bobcat measurements is explained by three primary biological and environmental influences. The first factor is sexual dimorphism, which causes a consistent size difference between the sexes. Adult males are routinely heavier and longer than adult females. This difference becomes more apparent as the animals reach full maturity, typically around 1.5 to 2 years of age.
A second factor is geographic location, which follows Bergmann’s Rule. This principle suggests that mammals in colder, northern latitudes tend to be larger than those in warmer, southern regions. Consequently, bobcats in the northern parts of their range, such as eastern Canada and northern New England, reach the largest body sizes. Conversely, bobcats inhabiting the southern United States and Mexico are smaller.
This size gradient is an adaptation to temperature, as a larger body mass provides a lower surface-area-to-volume ratio, aiding in retaining body heat in colder climates. The third influence on size is a combination of age and overall health. Sub-adults weighing approximately 4.5 kilograms (10 pounds) are still growing into their full adult potential. A consistent, high-quality diet and a healthy environment allows an individual to reach the upper limits of its genetically determined size range.
Size Comparison to Related Wild Felines
Placing the bobcat’s size in context clarifies its position among other predatory cats in North America. Compared to the average domestic house cat, the bobcat is substantially larger, often outweighing its domesticated cousin by two to three times. While an average house cat weighs between 3.2 and 4.5 kilograms (7 and 10 pounds), a bobcat begins at the upper end of that scale and can be five to ten times heavier.
The bobcat is often compared to its close relative, the Canadian Lynx (Lynx canadensis), which occupies the colder, northern territories. Although weight ranges overlap, the Canadian Lynx is generally considered the larger animal due to its longer limbs and massive, snowshoe-like paws, which provide better mobility in deep snow. The bobcat has a more compact build, shorter legs, and smaller feet, making it better suited for its varied, less snow-dependent habitats.