Large black feral cats are sometimes mistaken for them.
Jaguarundi Herpailurus yaguarondi is one of the most unusual-looking tiny cats. Their long, slender bodies, little flattened heads, and long tails are more otter-like than cat-like. The coat is short, silky, and unmarked, with three distinct color phases: black, brownish grey, and the Eyra, a reddish-brown phase. Wet, deep forests are connected with black or grey pelage, whereas dry, open habitats are associated with red coat color. Rainforests are more linked with the blackish phase. All color phases, however, can be found in all environments.
The ears are short and rounded, and one of the few cat species without a distinct color on the backs of the ears. Their eyes are small and light amber or brownish in color, positioned close together. The tail is long and tapered, while the legs are small and slender.
Jaguarundis are a puma subspecies. And they used to live in Texas, thus their range stretches into North America. In Texas, they are currently presumed extinct. Unfortunately, the last documented sighting was near Brownsville, Texas, in 1986.
Nonetheless, sightings do occur on occasion. According to Texas Monthly, there have only been five confirmed sightings throughout Texas history. However, the cats continue to wander Mexico south of Texas.
However, after captive cats escaped in the 1940s, there may be a tiny feral population in Florida.
Check out the below video by Texas Parks and Wildlife Education:
