The ocelot is a small wild cat found in North, Central and South America. It is around the same size of a bobcat.  The ocelot has a variety of markings on its fur, including stripes, spots, dots, bars and smudges.

Scientific Name: Leopardus paradalis

Conservation Status: Least Concern – There are an estimated 40,000 ocelots in the wild, and the population is considered stable.

Subspecies: There are two recognized subspecies.

  • Leopardus pardalis pardalis (Mexico)
  • Leopardus pardalis mitis (Brazil)

More About the Ocelot

Physical Characteristics

The ocelot is considered a medium-sized cat with short fur and rounded ears.  The color of the fur ranges from a creamy white to yellow and grey, with many different types of markings (streaks, stripes, spots, etc.). It has a similar appearance to the Margay, but is heavier and longer, with a shorter tail.

Ocelot FROM TO
Weight 15 lbs. 34 lbs.
Body Length 22 in. 39 in.
Tail Length 10 in. 16.1 in.

Habitat (Where the Ocelot Lives)

The ocelot inhabits the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America and South America all the way down to Argentina. They have been seen in forests, swamps and savannas.

Hunting & Prey (Diet)

Ocelots feed on rabbits, opossums, rodents, armadillos and other small mammals, along with birds, reptiles, fish and insects.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Ocelots mate all year long. Gestation is 79 to 83 days. There are one to four kittens in a litter. The kittens are kept in a den and may be moved from time to time for the first few months They will leave the den after about 90 days, but will stay with their mother for up to two years. Ocelots can live from 16 to 20 years.

Conservation Issues

Threats to the survival of the ocelot include habitat destruction. The cat is still illegally hunted for its fur and body parts.