Confusing words explained
“bobcat” vs “mountain lion” — What’s the Difference?
Both are wild cats, but bobcats are much smaller with short tails.
Key takeaway
Quick Difference: bobcat vs mountain lion
Both are wild cats, but bobcats are much smaller with short tails.
bobcat vs mountain lion Side-by-Side Comparison
Meaning of bobcat
A wild cat found in North America with a short tail and spotted fur.
A medium-sized wild cat with a very short tail and brown spotted fur. Bobcats hunt small animals.
Use 'bobcat' for the animal. Named after its short 'bobbed' tail.
- A bobcat has a very short tail.
- The bobcat hunts rabbits and small deer.
Meaning of mountain lion
A large wild cat native to the Americas, also known as cougar or puma, with a tawny coat.
A large, tan-coloured wild cat found in North and South America — the same animal as a cougar or puma.
Use 'mountain lion' in the western US. 'Cougar' and 'puma' are interchangeable names for the same cat.
- We saw a mountain lion near the hiking trail.
- Mountain lion sightings have increased as urban areas expand into wild habitats.
Usage Notes & Nuance
bobcat: Bobcats are native North American wildcats named for their distinctive short tail.
mountain lion: The mountain lion has more common names than almost any other mammal: cougar, puma, panther (in Florida), and catamount. In the western US, 'mountain lion' is most common.
How to Remember the Difference
Bobcats are small with spots and a stubby tail; mountain lions are big, plain-coated and have a long tail.
Common Mistakes with bobcat and mountain lion
Mistake with bobcat
Correct: bobcats have very short tails
Mistake with bobcat
Correct: bobcats are much smaller than mountain lions
Mistake with mountain lion
Correct: Mountain lions are cats; coyotes are wild dogs.
Mistake with mountain lion
Correct: Mountain lions are more closely related to cheetahs.
Practice Quiz: bobcat or mountain lion?
Choose the word that best completes each real example sentence.
Question 1
A _____ has a very short tail.
Question 2
The _____ hunts rabbits and small deer.
Question 3
We saw a _____ near the hiking trail.
Pick at least one answer, then press Check answers to see how you did.
You scored 0 out of 3
Frequently Asked Questions About bobcat vs mountain lion
What’s the difference between “bobcat” and “mountain lion”?
Both are wild cats, but bobcats are much smaller with short tails.
When should I use “bobcat”?
Use 'bobcat' for the animal. Named after its short 'bobbed' tail.
When should I use “mountain lion”?
Use 'mountain lion' in the western US. 'Cougar' and 'puma' are interchangeable names for the same cat.
How can I remember bobcat vs mountain lion?
Bobcats are small with spots and a stubby tail; mountain lions are big, plain-coated and have a long tail.
Is it “bobcat” or “mountain lion” in example sentences?
Use the quiz above to test the pair with real example sentences from the available word data.