Lynx belong to a genus of medium-sized wild cats distinguished by their short, “bobbed” tails and the characteristic tufts of black hair atop their ears. The four recognized species in this group are the Eurasian lynx, the Canada lynx, the Iberian lynx, and the bobcat. These solitary predators inhabit forested and mountainous regions across North America, Europe, and Asia.
The Official Terminology
The most widely accepted term for a baby lynx is a “kitten.” This naming convention is common across most smaller to medium-sized wild cat species, including the domestic house cat. Occasionally, the young may also be referred to as “cubs” or “kits,” but “kitten” is the standard designation used by biologists and conservationists.
Life in the Den: Early Development
A litter of lynx kittens, typically numbering one to four, is born in a sheltered den, which can be a hollow log, a rocky cave, or a thicket of brush. At birth, the kittens are remarkably small, weighing only 6 to 14 ounces (175 to 400 grams). They are entirely helpless, born blind with their eyes closed and deaf with their ear canals folded.
For the first week, the kittens rely completely on their mother for warmth, protection, and nourishment through nursing. Around 10 to 14 days old, their eyes and ears begin to open, gradually allowing them to perceive their surroundings. Mobility slowly improves from a mere wiggle to wobbly walking by the third week.
Gaining Independence
The kittens usually remain confined to the den until they are approximately eight to twelve weeks old, when they begin to venture out with their mother for short explorations. The kittens nurse for up to four or five months, but the mother begins introducing solid food, often small prey she has caught, around four to five weeks of age.
The most extensive part of their upbringing involves learning hunting techniques specific to their habitat and prey. The mother actively teaches these skills, and the young will accompany her on hunting excursions. Young lynx typically remain with their mother for a relatively long period, usually around nine to twelve months, to ensure they have mastered the necessary survival skills. After this time, they separate to establish their own solitary territories and begin their adult lives.