Red Fox vs Wildcat

Red foxes are the largest species of the genus Vulpes. However, relative to dimensions, red foxes are much lighter than similarly sized dogs of the Canis genus. Their limb bones, for example, weigh 30% less per unit area of bone than expected for similarly sized dogs. They display significant individual, sexual, age and geographical variation in size. On average, adults measure 35–50 cm (14–20 in) high at the shoulder and 45 to 90 cm (18 to 35 in) in body length with tails measuring 30 to 63 in (760 to 1,600 mm). The ears measure 7.7–12.5 cm (3–5 in) and the hind feet 12–18.5 cm (5–7 in). They weigh 2.2 to 14 kg (4.9 to 31 lb), with vixens typically weighing 15–20% less than males.[61] Adult dog-foxes have skulls measuring 129–167 mm, while those of vixens measure 128–159 mm. The forefoot print measures 60 mm in length and 45 mm in width, while the hind foot print measures 55 mm long and 38 mm wide. They trot at a speed of 6–13 km/h, and have a maximum running speed of 50 km/h. They have a stride of 25–35 cm when walking at a normal pace. North American red foxes are generally lightly built, with comparatively long bodies for their mass and have a high degree of sexual dimorphism. British red foxes are heavily built, but short, while continental European red foxes are closer to the general average among red fox populations. The largest red fox on record in Great Britain was a 12 kg (26.5 lbs), four foot long male, killed in Maidstone, Kent in early 2011.



The wildcat physically resembles a domesticated cat in most respects. Although domesticated breeds show a great variety of shapes and colors, wild species are pale yellow to medium-brown with black stripes or spots. The underparts are light grey,and sometimes marked with black spots. Melanistic (all-black) individuals have been reported, but are probably the result of hybridization with domestic cats.
Wildcats range from 36.5 to 80 cm (14.4 to 31 in) in head-and-body length, with an additional 21 to 45 cm (8.3 to 18 in) of tail. The standing height at the shoulder ranges from 25 to 40 cm (9.8 to 16 in). Weights can vary considerably, with smaller races weighing as little as 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) and larger races up to 13 kg (29 lb), although few are over 8 kg (18 lb). However, most wildcats weigh between 3 and 6 kg (6.6 and 13 lb). The African and Asian subspecies tend to be more slender than the European wildcat, with shorter hair of a lighter brown color.