| Leopard Cat is one of the most beautiful felines in | | | | they avoid arid habitats and may reside in wooded |
| nature. It has a wide geographical distribution with | | | | areas and scrubs. They are excellent climbers and |
| marked differences in appearance in various parts of | | | | capable swimmers. These attributes, along with their |
| its range, leading many to classify it into a variety of | | | | wide distribution in the wild and adaptability render |
| subspecies. Size also varies in accordance with the | | | | them able to take down a variety of animals including |
| habitat. In the southern part of its range, the | | | | hares, birds, fish, rodents, insects and even bats. |
| Leopard Cat is nearly two feet long (including tail) | | | | Chiefly nocturnal hunters, they have also been |
| whereas the northern Leopard Cat of Amur region is | | | | reported to be active in day time. |
| longer (over three feet) and heavier (ten to fifteen | | | | Primarily solitary, Leopard Cats are seen together in |
| pounds). | | | | mating seasons. After a gestational period nearing |
| Prionailurus Bengalensis, the Leopard Cat is slightly | | | | two and a half months a litter of two to four kittens |
| larger than a big domestic cat. Fur color also varies | | | | is born. Mother rears them up and may place them in |
| across the range of Leopard Cat, though it is | | | | burrows and bush before they gain maturity and |
| generally yellowish in south and grayish-white in north. | | | | independence. |
| Underside, chest, lower part of head are all white | | | | There is need for greater study of these beautiful |
| with various dark markings, spots and rosettes, on | | | | cats in the wild. Leopard Cats have a vast range in |
| the body. These brownish black spots often join to | | | | Southeast Asia and their conservation status varies |
| form stripes on the back and head. The tail has black | | | | across it. It is believed though that they are |
| rings towards its tip. | | | | vulnerable in certain islands. |
| Residents of forests and grasslands, Leopard Cats | | | | The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on |
| are seldom seen in dry areas. Preferring watery areas | | | | leopard cat. |