Science

Watch the World's Deadliest — and Cutest — Cat Murder its Way to Your Heart

Tiny, but fierce.

BBC

When I was in elementary school, my music teacher used to tell me that “dynamite comes in small packages” as a way to make me feel better about the fact that I was really short. It didn’t help, though I appreciated the sentiment.

But in a new video from the BBC’s Big Cats series, this simple platitude proves itself true: the most deadly kitty in the world is also the smallest cat on the African continent.

Black-footed cats (Felis nigripes) are native to southwestern South Africa. In addition to living in extremely dry conditions, these tough little fluffs, — which only grow up to about 17 inches in length — are some of the fiercest predators on earth. According to the BBC, they have a 60 percent success rate in killing.

That’s right, this tiny, spotted puff is a vicious murderer, and you should be very afraid, especially if you’re small insect or rodent!!!

A very hungry -- and murdery -- black-footed kitten

BBC

Seriously, though, these cats are no joke. Some incredible footage from the BBC — shot mostly at night — shows how a black-footed cat can jump like a fluffy wizard in order to snatch a bird right out of the sky. Besides the fact that black-footed cats are rarely seen in the wild because they’re nocturnal and smol, the video gives us an unprecedented look at why they’ve earned their terrifying title.

Check it out at :34 below:

Also, can we all just take a moment to appreciate the black footed cat’s face post-kill?

Murder kitty!! Meow meow!!!!

Honestly, you just have to watch the whole video here. For all the small and ferocious people out there, consider the black-footed cat your new patronus.

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