Indian Leopard Cat

Similar in size to a domestic cat, a leopard cat has longer legs, more slender bodies, and distinct webs between its toes. It has a short, narrow white muzzle and two noticeable dark stripes on its little skull. Smaller white streaks run from the eyes to the nose, and two darker stripes run from the eyes to the ears. Its ears are oval and relatively long, with black backs and white dots in the middle. Black markings of various sizes and colors mark its body and limbs, and two to four rows of lengthy spots run along its back.

Its tail, which is speckled with a few hazy rings close to the black tip, is almost half as long as its head-body. The speckled fur has a white belly and chest with a tawny background color. But within their vast range, they varied so widely in terms of body size and weight, as well as in terms of spot coloration and size, that at first they were believed to be many distinct species.

The northern populations have pale silver-grey fur, while the southern populations have yellowish brown fur. Depending on the subspecies, the black patterns can be spotted, rosetted, or even create dotted stripes. Leopard cats in the tropics have long tails that measure 17.2 to 31 cm (6.8 to 12.2 in), weigh between 0.55 and 3.8 kg (1.2 and 8.4 lb), and have head-body lengths of 38.8 to 66 cm (15.3-26.0 in).

Lifespan is 10–15 years in the wild; up to 20 years in captivity.

The leopard cat subspecies has excellent night vision, which is adapted for nocturnal hunting, is extremely acute and capable of detecting the slightest movement, is an excellent climber, jumper, and runner, and can leap several feet vertically. It also moves silently and blends in perfectly with dense foliage or tall grass. 

The leopard cat subspecies is a strong swimmer, which is unusual for cats; it will swim across rivers or hunt near water; it moves quickly in short spurts, making it perfect for ambushing prey; and its senses are sharp scent and reflexes for spotting prey in low light.

The leopard cat subspecies is a carnivorous mesopredator that controls rodents, small birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The leopard cat plays an important role in maintaining equilibrium in agricultural and woodland ecosystems. Sometimes preys on little domestic birds, causing human conflict in rural regions. The leopard cat preys on small mammals (rodents, rabbits, lorises, shrews, and moles), birds and eggs, frogs, lizards, and snakes, bugs, and, on occasion, fish or fruits.

Male and female leopard cats breed 1-2 times per year, with 2-4 kittens each litter and a gestation period of approximately 65 days.

The leopard cat subspecies is primarily nocturnal and crepuscular (active between dusk and dawn); it is solitary until during mating season or when mothers have kittens; and the male cat marks borders with scent glands, feces, and scratches. This cat is an ambush predator that uses stealth, patience, and fast attacks.

The leopard cat subspecies is typically cautious and elusive, avoiding direct contact. In rural areas, it periodically raids chicken coops, causing problems for farmers and leopard cats. Culturally significant in various parts of Asia; adored for its beauty but occasionally hunted for fur or kept as pets until Europeans donated Felis catus to Asians.

The leopard cat subspecies is found in Bangladesh, Nepal, northern India, Myanmar, Thailand, southern China, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. It overlaps with other leopard cat subspecies in East and Southeast Asia. The leopard cat subspecies' primary habitats include tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands and scrublands, wetlands and mangroves, rice fields, and agricultural fringes. The major elevation ranges from sea level to 3,000 meters. It enjoys warm to moderate climates with lush foliage and water nearby.

• Movement Pattern: Not a Migrant

• Individual Type: Solo

• Population Trend: Stable

• Population: ???

• Locomotion: Terrestrial

• Habitat: Montane Grasslands and Shrublands; Temperate Coniferous Forests; Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests; Temperate Deciduous Forests, Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Subtropical Coniferous Forests; Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Stone Forest; Tropical Coniferous Forests; Tropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Grasslands; Tropical Savannas and Shrublands; Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands, and Scrub; Mushroom Forests; Mushroom Fields; Flooded Grasslands and Savannas; Swamp; Bayous/Billabongs; Riparian; Wetland; Mangrove Forest; Cold Bamboo Forests; Tropical Bamboo Forests; Air-breathing Coral Reefs; Graveyard Vale; Radiated Citadel; Volcano; Warm Ghost Town; Cold Ghost Town; Ruined Skyscraper.

• Earth: 

  • Extant (Resident): Afghanistan; Bangladesh; Bhutan; Cambodia; China; Hong Kong; India; Nihon (Nansei-shoto); North Korea; South Korea; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Malaysia; Myanmar; Nepal; Pakistan; Russia; Singapore; Taiwan, Province of China; Thailand; Viet Nam

  • Presence Uncertain: Macao

The Prionailurus were tranquilized by bullets, made unconscious, fed meat and berries while unconscious, and used narcotics to continuously overdose. If this species isn't already trained, you can tame it with meat, berries, or eggs.

Coming soon.

Earth

• Tagalog: Pusang leopardo, Maral

• Cebuano: Maral (ᜋᜇᜎ᜔)

• Indonesian: Kucing kuwuk, Kucing-kuwuk Sugbu, Maral

• Navajo: Náátsʼózídę́ę́ʼ mósíłkizhii ałchinígíí

• Japanese: ベンガルヤマネコ

• Korean: 삵/살쾡이

• Turkish: Sunda pars kedisi

• Hungarian: Bengáli törpemacska

• Irish: Marál, Liopardchat

• French: Chat-léopard

• Spanish: Gato leopardo

• Coming soon

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopard_cat

• https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/18146/212958253

• https://www.deviantart.com/ognimdo2002/art/Leopard-Cat-1098500752