The marbled cat is a small wild cat that can be found in the eastern part of the Himalayas and southern Asia. It is related to the Asian golden cat and Borneo bay cat, and similar in size to a house cat. The marbled cat’s fur varies in color from brownish yellow to grey. Marbled cats have rounded, short ears with a black spot on the back of the ears, and a white upper lip and chin.

Scientific Name: Pardofelis marmorata

Conservation Status: Vulnerable. The population of marbled cat is estimated at 10,000.

Subspecies:

  • Parodfelis marmorata marmorata
  • Pardofelis marmorata longicaudata

Physical characteristics

The marbled cat is a smaller version of the clouded leopard. The cat’s fur is both soft and thick, with black stripes on its head, neck and back. Other markings include solid spots on the cat’s tail, limbs and underbelly, and a marbled pattern of dark botches on it’s flanks.

Weight: 2kg – 5kg
Body Length (from head): 45cm – 65cm
Tail Length: 35cm – 55cm

Habitat (where the marbled cat lives)

The marbled cat inhabits rocky shrubs, swam forests and other types of forested areas. The cat can be found in the Himalayan foothills, south and southeast Asia and southern China, through Indonesia, as well as Nepal, India, Sumatra, Borneo, Bhutan, Thailand and Borneo.

Hunting & prey (diet)

Researchers have seen marble cats active during the day, twilight and night. The cat preys on small mammals and birds, along with rats, tree squirrels, fruit bats, mice, tree shrews, reptiles and small primates.

Reproduction and lifespan

Data on the reproduction and lifespan of marbled cats in the wild is limited. In captivity, the
gestation period for marbled cat appears to be between 66 and 82 days. Litters are
between 1 and 4 kittens. Marbled cats have lived in captivity up to around 12 years.

Conservation threats

Because of its low population and elusiveness, the marbled cat it is rarely seen in the illegal Asian fur trade markets. In some countries like Singapore, regulated hunting is even permitted.