The Pampas cat (grass cat) is a South American small wild cat. The cat is named after a region of fertile lowlands (Pampas) that covers almost 290,000 square miles. Pampas cats can also be found in shrublands, grasslands and forests.

Scientific Name: Leopardus pajeros
Conservation status: Near Threatened

Pampas cat subspecies include:

  • Leopardus colocola colocola (Central Chile)
  • Leopardus colocola wolffsohni (North Chile)
  • Leopardus colocola pajeros (Central, North Central and South Argentina
  • Leopardus colocola budini (North West Argentina and Bolivia)
  • Leopardus colocola garleppi (South Colombia, Ecuador and Peru)
  • Leopardus colocola braccatus (South West and Central Brazil, Paraguay)
  • Leopardus colocola munoai (Uruguay)

More About the Pampas Cat

Physical Appearance

Pampas cats have a small but stocky and strong body. They are larger than domestic cats with thick fur that ranges in color from yellow-white to light brown to rust brown.  The cat has a wide face, pink nose and long hair. The fur can be plain, or covered with dark bands and spots (rosettes). Some entirely black Pampas cats have also been seen. How the cat looks can vary depending on its age and location.

Pampas Cat FROM  TO
Weight 6.6 lbs. 8.8 lbs.
Body Length 18 in. 30 in.
Tail Length 9.1 in. 7.4 in.

 

Territory

Pampas cats are native to Peru, Argentina, Boliva, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and Ecuador. They have also been seen in Colombia.

In addition to Pampas, shrublands, grasslands and forests, the cat can be found in swamp areas, cold desert regions and rocky places.

Hunting & Prey

Pampas cats mostly hunt on the ground. In some places like the Andes, the cat only comes out at night. The cats eat small mammmals (mice, rodents, guinea pigs) and ground-based birds like the flamingo.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Very little is known about the cat’s reproductive habits, other than litter sizes range from one to three cubs, and breeding season occurs from April to July.

Conservation Threats

Pampas cat threats include habitat loss, agriculture and ranching (livestock grazing) and retaliation killing when the cat preys on poultry.


Comments

Pampas Cat — 1 Comment

  1. The other night I noticed my house cats all looking out the back window,when down by the bottom of our above ground pool I noticed….The most beautiful black footed very, very, short haired,spotted and ringlets,with dark stripes coming off both eyes to the jawline. Goldenrust in color with black spots,large ears, huge eyes. I’m trying to find its owner. Its almost surly someone’s loved pet,it ran right up to me,let me hold it,its been domesticated. If I sent you a picture could you identify what kind of hybrid it is? Its meow it quite distinct also. Thank you

    Ariel Pedersen

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