World Geoffroy’s Cat Day on January 28th shines a global spotlight on one of South America’s most elusive small wild cats, raising awareness of its ecology, threats, and the conservation groups working to protect it.
Every year on January 28th, conservationists, wildlife enthusiasts, and cat lovers come together to celebrate World Geoffroy’s Cat Day—a date dedicated to honouring the remarkable Geoffroy's Cat and promoting efforts to safeguard its future. This day highlights both the beauty of the species and the challenges it faces across its South American range.
Geoffroy's Cats
The Geoffroy’s Cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) is a small, solitary, and mostly nocturnal wild cat native to South America. It is roughly the size of a domestic cat, typically weighing between 4 and 11 pounds, with a body length of about 24 inches and a tail around 12 inches long. Its coat varies from yellowish to grey depending on region, patterned with dark spots and bands that give it a leopard‑like appearance. The tail is marked with distinctive black rings, and the face resembles that of a domestic cat but with a wilder, more intense expression.
Geoffroy’s Cats inhabit a wide range of environments across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. They are highly adaptable, living in grasslands, scrublands, forests, and even semi‑arid regions. Their ecological role is significant—they help regulate populations of small mammals and other prey species within their ecosystems.
According to the IUCN Red List, Geoffroy’s cats are currently classified as Least Concern, with a stable population. However, this does not mean they are free from threats. Major risks include vehicle collisions; hunting and trapping; habitat loss and fragmentation and climate‑related pressures, such as drought. These pressures vary across their range, and local populations may be more vulnerable than the global assessment suggests.
Organisations to Support
World Geoffroy's Cat Day is actively championed by:
- Geoffroy’s Cat Working Group (GCWG)
- Geoffroy’s Cats (geoffroyscats.com)
These organisations use the day to share educational materials, raise awareness, and encourage public involvement in conservation.
Geoffroy’s Cat Working Group (GCWG)
Website: www.geoffroyscatwg.org
The Geoffroys' Cat Working Group was founded in 2020 and is based in Brazil.
Aims:
Promote research on Geoffroy’s Cat ecology, genetics, and conservation needs
Facilitate collaboration among scientists, conservationists, and institutions
Share knowledge to support evidence-based conservation strategies
Raise awareness of threats facing the species
The GCWG brings together experts across South America and beyond, creating a network dedicated to understanding and protecting the Geoffroy's Cat.
Support Geoffroy's Cat Working Group
WildCatFamily donated $50 (+$2.50 to cover banking fees) to the GCWG in January 2026. Funding goes via re:wild in the USA which is a registered charity. The donation currency is in USD and I received confirmation that the funds went to GCWG.
Geoffroy’s Cats (geoffroyscats.com)
Website: www.geoffroyscats.com
Kylie from Animals Inc USA was involved in the setting up of World Geoffroy's Cat Day in 2021 and created this website to help promote awareness of the species.
Aims:
Increase public awareness through education and outreach
Celebrate Geoffroy’s cats and share accessible information about their biology
Support conservation by highlighting threats and encouraging responsible action
Provide resources for people to learn more and get involved
This organisation focuses strongly on public engagement, using World Geoffroy’s Cat Day as a platform to inspire appreciation and support for the species.
Shop to Support Geoffroy's Cats
Wear a World Geoffroy's Cat Day Pin
Show your support for World Geoffroy's Cat Day on January 28 by wearing a pin of this beautiful wild cat.
Order a set of pins to share with your friends and family.
Stickers and magnets also available.
There is no Year on the pin, so you can wear it every year on Jan 28.
All proceeds will be donated to the Geoffroy's Cat Working Group.
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