Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 150 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 39 mm | 59 mm | 26 mm | 20 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 79 mm | 119 mm | 52 mm | 39 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 118 mm | 178 mm | 79 mm | 59 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 157 mm | 237 mm | 105 mm | 79 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 236 mm | 356 mm | 157 mm | 118 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 393 mm | 593 mm | 262 mm | 196 mm |
About the Domestic Cat#
The cat (Felis catus), commonly referred to as the domestic cat or house cat, is the only domesticated species in the family Felidae. Recent advances in archaeology and genetics have shown that the domestication of the cat occurred in the Near East around 7500 BC. It is commonly kept as a house pet and farm cat, but also ranges freely as a feral cat avoiding human contact.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Bobcats hunt at dawn in grassland edges — be patient.
- Dawn and dusk activity means high ISO — prioritise shutter speed and accept some noise.
- Sightings peak in March, April, May and September, which is when you'll have the most chances.
Ethics#
- The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
- Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
- Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
- Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.
More Felids#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Domestic Cat?
At about 150 cm long, a domestic cat fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 79 mm, or at 20 m with 157 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Domestic Cat?
1/500 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Domestic Cat?
Observations in North America peak in March, April, May and September. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.
Sources & licences#
- iNaturalist — Observation data CC BY-NC; photo licence as credited
- Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources