Ringtail cats are raccoon-like mammals that are mostly found in the West and Southwest of the United States.
Despite the fact that it is not a cat, it is known as the ringtail cat, ring-tailed cat, miner’s cat, or bassarisk, and is occasionally referred to as a “civet cat.”
When they feel threatened, they exude the most revolting odor from their anal glands as a form of self-defense.
Ringtails are little cats that seem like a cross between a fox and a raccoon.
Their sharp ears and huge eyes are surrounded by white fur, giving them a fox-like look. Ringtail cats have a long, bushy tail that is usually longer than the rest of the cats.
The black ring patterns on its tail have earned them the nickname “ringtail.”
Because these animals are cautious and frightened of humans, they are seen less frequently than their near cousins, the raccoon.
Ringtails have several traits that we associate with cats. It cleans itself, for example, by licking its forepaw and then wiping and cleaning its ears, face, and snout with it.
Snakes, lizards, birds, and frogs are favorites of ringtail cats, who are largely carnivorous.
Plants, fruit, and insects are some of the other foods they consume.
Despite their reputation as adept predators of smaller food, ringtails must be wary of predators such as great horned owls (Bubo virginianus), coyotes (Canis latrans), bobcats (Lynx rufus), and mountain lions (Lynx rufus) (Puma concolor).
