As a child, I became friends with a stray cat. Captivated by her regal demeanor, I adopted her and named her Tiger. Growing up alongside her, she taught me invaluable lessons about loyalty, adventure, and discovering beauty in unexpected places.
Inspired by her quirky, wild antics, #MyCatDoesThat celebrates the domestic companions we cherish and the wild cats they closely resemble.
This campaign highlights that wild cats thrive in their natural habitat, while our domestic cats bring a hint of their wild nature into our homes. By fostering a deeper connection with our beloved domestic cats, we can develop a greater appreciation for wild cats and the landscapes on which they depend.
Analyzing cat behaviors is critical for Panthera staff. These behaviors, such as roaring, scent marking, and hunting, are essential for understanding wild cat behavior. This enables our field staff and scientists to assess population dynamics and conservation needs by observing how these cats interact with each other, their prey and opportunities for coexistence.
To kick off #MyCatDoesThat, we invited Panthera staff and supporters to share their most cherished moments with their beloved pet cats.
Rana Bayrakcismith, Panthera’s Conservation Program Manager and devoted cat mom shares, “Are you asking me to go through my 10,988,777,654,012 cat photos? Why of course, I’d be happy to!”
Below are some of my favorite wild cat photos, juxtaposed with snapshots of our staff and supporters’ beloved feline family members.
Tiger, Panthera tigris (IUCN Status: Endangered)
Felines, both wild and domestic, as well as dogs and other animals, may roll onto their backs with endearing, playful faces. This behavior can signal affection or submission. For a tiger, it may be scratching its back or gearing up for play.
Next to this wild tiger is my pet cat, humorously named Tiger, stretching out for a belly rub.
Lion, Panthera leo (IUCN Status: Vulnerable)
These two lions are part of a coalition – a group of bachelor male lions that helps them stay safe and challenge other coalitions for control over prides. They rub heads as a social behavior that reinforces bonds within their pride.
Similarly, Panthera staff member Joe Boccagno’s Figaro and Lynx also demonstrate affection through grooming and social bonding.
While domestic cats may not have prides, they still compete for affection in their own ways.
Cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus (IUCN Status: Vulnerable)
Caught mid-yawn at an inconvenient moment, this cheetah reveals its formidable teeth, designed to bring down a gazelle at top speed. Even during a well-deserved break, it remains vigilant for potential prey.
Like the cheetah, Panthera Staff Member Rana Bayrakcismith's cat Ava mirrors its yawn, remaining ever-alert for treats even as she rests.
Leopards, Panthera pardus (IUCN Status: Vulnerable)
Leopards frequently dine and doze off in trees, a clever strategy that keeps their meals out of reach from lions and hyenas. This one has found the perfect spot with branches that promise a cozy rest. They may be sleeping during the day because leopards are known to be nocturnal.
Meanwhile, Mittens, shared by our supporter Elle on Instagram, lounges in her jungle tree at home.
Pumas, Puma concolor (IUCN Status: Least Concern)
Panthera's remote cameras capture purrfect poses of wild cats worldwide. Strategically placed by dedicated staff, these cameras play a crucial role in scientific research, enabling us to collect vital data on species like pumas. Triggered by motion or infrared sensors, they snap images of even elusive cats like snow leopards, informing conservation efforts.
Our supporter Joanne's mischievous cat, Annie, was caught in the act as she posed for her selfie on FaceBook.
Black-footed Cat, Felis nigripes (IUCN Status: Near Threatened)
And finally, there's the Black-footed Cat who faces several conservation challenges and needs our help. Despite its small stature, it’s considered one of the deadliest hunters in the animal kingdom.
Our supporter, Ronald's mysterious cat, Liz, treasures her solitude before she hunts for her cat nip.
Do you have a cat that has demonstrated any of these wild behaviors? Show us! Share your #MyCatDoesThat moments with us for a chance to win a #MyCatDoesThat T-shirt and be featured in our Cat Hall of Fame gallery. Participation is easy – just follow these two steps:
Step One: Take a photo of your cat mirroring any of the behaviors mentioned in this blog or the MyCatDoesThat page.
Step Two: Share the photo on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok or X. Include your cat’s name in the post, use the hashtag #MyCatDoesThat, and tag our official account, @PantheraCats.
Panthera will select one participant each month from August 1 through December 1, 2024. Recipients will be notified through their social media accounts and then publicly announced on our feed and will receive a #MyCatDoesThat T-shirt featuring their cat’s name!
For more information, visit: panthera.org/mycatdoesthat
By joining our email list, you will receive the latest conservation updates, exciting stories from the field, our monthly newsletter, and more.
Join Our Email ListPanthera cares about your privacy. Read our Privacy Policy.
© Sebastian Kennerknecht
