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Ringtail Cats

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Commonly referred to as a ringtail cat, Bassariscus Astutus is actually not related to cats at all and is in fact a member of the Procyonid family which includes raccoons. Also called a "miner's cat" the name probably derives from the fact that it was domesticated and used as a mouse hunter by gold rush era miners.

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Like its cousin the raccoon, ringtail cats are nocturnal animals and are also excellent climbers and have no trouble getting on most roofs. 

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Much smaller than raccoons, ringtails also have the ability to contort their body into very tight spaces meaning they can enter a home or attic through a much smaller and much harder to locate hole.

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Although often just looking for shelter from the elements, ringtails often invade an attic seeking a protective space in which to build a nest for its offspring. Mating season for ringtail cats usually occurs between February and May. Most liters are usually born between May and June and usually include 2 - 4 offspring.

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Like raccoons, ringtails are believed to mark their territory with feces and urine and like raccoons their feces and urine are known to carry numerous bacterial and viral diseases which can be a threat to both humans and their pets.

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Ringtail Cat caged and ready for relocation.

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