The rusty-spotted cat is a small wild cat found in India and Sri Lanka (South Asia), mostly in forested areas but sometimes scrubs and grasslands. Recently the cat has also been seen north of India in Nepal,  It is estimated that there are less than 10,000 mature rusty-spotted cats in the wild.

Scientific Name: Prionailurus rubiginosus
Conservation Status: Near Threatened

The Prionailurus species includes the rusty-spotted cat, leopard cat, Sunda leopard cat, Flat-headed cat and fishing catPrionailurus and Otocolobus cats are part of the leopard cat lineage, one of eight (8) cat family evolutionary lines (Panthera, Bay cat, caracal, ocelot, lync, puma, leopard, and Domestic cat).

It is believe that Prionailurus cats had a common ancestor between 8 and 4 million years ago. The rusty cat may have separated from this ancestor between 3.4 and 6.5 millions years ago.

The rusty-spotted cat is the smallest wild cat in all of Asia. It is similar in size to the black-footed cat.

About the rusty-spotted cat

Physical appearance

The rusty-spotted cat is one of the smallest wild cat species in the world. It weighs between 2 and 3.5 lbs. They are approximately 14 to 19 inches in length, and have a 5.9 to 12 inch tail. They are thinner and smaller than your typical house cat. Their legs are relatively short.

Rusty-spotted cats have short and soft fur. Their coat is grey with small rusty-brown spots on the flanks, back and head area. The cat’s face has two dark streaks on each cheek along with stripes that extend from the eyes to the shoulders. Their eyes are brownish to amber and relatively large. The cat’s tail has dark rings and its underside is white with more large spots. Its ears are small and rounded. The soles of the rusty-spotted cat’s feet are black.

 

Habitat (where rusty-spotted cats live)

The rusty-spotted cat can be found throughout India. There have been a few sightings of the cat in Sri Lanka and in Nepal. They are mostly found in wet and dry forests, but have also been seen in wooded grasslands, scrublands and rocky hills.

Rusty-spotted cats are known for their agility and are considered highly skilled tree climbers. They generally spend the day sleeping in hollow logs or areas where there is dense foliage.

The rust-spotted cat inhabits india and Sri LankaHunting and prey (diet)

It is believed that they hunt on the ground during the evening. Their prey consists mostly of small mammals, usually rodents, and birds. However the cat has also been known to feed on insects, frogs and lizards. Researchers believe that when the cat is threatened, it will climb and hide in trees.

Reproduction and lifespan

Gestation lasts for approximately 65 to 70 days. Female rusty-spotted cats will typically give birth to between one and two kittens, usually in a shallow, secluded cave. The kittens only weigh a few ounces and are marked with black spots. Their rusty-colored coat appears when they reach maturity. It is not known how long the rusty-spotted cat lives in the wild. In captivity, the cat has lived as long as 12 years.

Rusty-spotted cat conservation threats

Rusty-spotted cat illegal hunting and wild life trade is banned in Sri Lanka and India. However, like most wild cats, their survival is threatened by habitat loss. Sometimes the cat is hunted for food or to protect domestic animals. Their skins have also been seen in illegal wildlife trade.

 

 

 

 


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