The leopard cat is a small wild cat native to continental South, Southeast, and East Asia. Since 2002 it has been listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List as it is widely distributed although threatened by habitat loss and hunting in parts of its range. The average lifespan for leopard cats ranges between 8 and 12 years, with pet or captive animals known to live for over 15 years. Asian Leopard Cats are mostly solitary, nocturnal animals—though males and females sometimes raise their young together. They primarily hunt at night and often spend their days resting in dens made in hollow trees. Leopard cats are carnivorous, feeding on a variety of small prey including mammals, lizards, amphibians, birds and insects. In most parts of their range, small rodents such as rats and mice form the major part of their diet, which is often supplemented with grass, eggs, poultry, and aquatic prey. The Leopard cat is about the size of a large housecat. The head of the animal is small, eyes are round and the muzzle is short. The pale wool of the animal is generally tawny colored while the belly is white. They have rosettes all over their body and tail, while the tip of the tail is often ringed. The animals exhibit four stripes on their forehead, running down to their necks. Various populations of Leopard cats differ in coat length and color, depending on habitat and environmental conditions of the area. Thus, in northern parts of their range, the animals are usually heavier, showing paler and longer coat. Meanwhile, those, living in snowy habitats, exhibit lighter coat in contrast with cats, living in densely forested habitats and having dark-tawny fur.

Conservation status: Least Concern (Population stable) 

Scientific name: Prionailurus bengalensis

Mass: 8.6 lbs (Adult) 

Length: 2.2 ft. (Adult) 

Trophic level: Carnivorous

Family: Felidae

Kingdom: Animalia