Leopard Cat

Prionailurus bengalensis

Last updated: March 22, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Kuribo / CC BY-SA 3.0 – License / Original

There are 11 different species!


Advertisement


Leopard Cat Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Prionailurus
Scientific Name
Prionailurus bengalensis

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Leopard Cat Conservation Status

Leopard Cat Locations

Leopard Cat Locations

Leopard Cat Facts

Main Prey
Rodents, Lizards, Insects
Distinctive Feature
Webbed toes and spotted fur
Habitat
Tropical forests
Predators
Leopard, Tiger, Wilddog
Diet
Carnivore
Average Litter Size
3
Lifestyle
  • Solitary
Favorite Food
Rodents
Type
Mammal
Slogan
There are 11 different species!

Leopard Cat Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Grey
  • Yellow
  • Black
  • White
Skin Type
Fur
Top Speed
45 mph
Lifespan
10 - 13 years
Weight
2.2kg - 7.5kg (4.9lbs - 17lbs)
Length
46cm - 65cm (18in - 26in)

View all of the Leopard Cat images!



Share on:

“A small, but dominant, predator.”

The leopard cat is a small species of feline that is native to many different Asian and Indian regions. These cats are divided among almost a dozen different sub-species, although most share distinctive color markings and webbed toes that facilitate their aquatic adventures. These tiny hunters are only about the size of a normal domestic cat and typically survive by hunting rodents or other small creatures. Despite their diminutive stature, they are considered a dominant predator in many of the environments they inhabit.

Incredible Leopard Cat Facts!

  • Markings include a white muzzle and facial stripes.
  • Their webbed paws make them powerful and adept swimmers.
  • Some leopard cats have a single stripe running down their spine.
  • Many island populations have developed into distinct sub-species.
  • They can live in forests or jungles and wet or dry climates.
Resting Leopard cat

Leopard cats have webbed paws and are good swimmers.

©Arno van Dulmen/Shutterstock.com

Scientific Name

The leopard cat species is also known by the scientific name Prionailurus bengalensis and is classified as part of the Felidae family in the Mammalia class. The genus Prionailurus derives its name from the Greek word “prion,” which indicates a sawing tool, and “ailur,” which translates into the cat. The species name, bengalensis, indicates the Bengal region of Asia.

Evolution

Smallest Cats: Rusty Spotted Cat

The Rusty-spotted cat is the smallest wild cat in Asia and is believed to be the first



Prionailurus

to diverge from a common ancestor.

©Felineus/Shutterstock.com

Prionailurus diverged from a common ancestor between 8.76 to 4.53 million years ago. The rusty-spotted cat (P. rubininosus) was believed to be the first cat to genetically diverge, followed by the flat-headed cat (P. planiceps) and then the fishing cat (P. viverrinus). The fishing cat diverged together with the leopard cat between 4.25 to 0.02 million years ago.

Fossil remains indicate that leopard cats were domesticated in Neolithic China at least 5,000 years ago. The Bengal cat is a crossbreed between the leopard cat and the domestic cat.

Species

There are as many as 12 subspecies of leopard cat including:

  • The mainland leopard cat (P. bengalensis), is widely distributed in mainland Asia, from Pakistan to Southeast Asia, China, and the Russian Far East.
  • The Sunda leopard cat (P. javanensis), is native to Java, Bali, Borneo, Sumatra, Palawan, Negros, Cebu, Panay, and the Malay Peninsula.
  • P. bengalensis borneoensis, is found in Borneo
  • P. b. heaneyi, is found on Palawan
  • P. b. rabori, is found on the Philippine islands of Cebu, Negros, and Panay
  • P. b. sumatranus, is found on Sumatra and Tebingtinggi

Appearance and Behavior

Leopard cats are nearly identical in stature to the domesticated feline you might find in homes around the world. They typically weigh between 5 and 20 pounds, depending on gender and age, and generally range from 18 to 30 inches long. As their name suggests, these felines often have yellow or orange fur with distinct spots reminiscent of their much larger leopard cousins. However, there are plenty of colors and marking variations among the different sub-species, especially those local to specific islands.

Like many other felines, these tiny wildcats prefer an isolated lifestyle outside of mating season. While primarily nocturnal hunters, they sometimes venture forth during daylight hours. Despite frequently living and roaming in close proximity to human settlements, they are rarely sociable with people and often avoid direct contact or interaction.

Leopard Cat

Leopard cats are found in tropical regions throughout Southeast Asia in forested areas near water.

©WildWoodMan/Shutterstock.com

Habitat

Found in tropical regions throughout Southeast Asia, India, and various islands, these cats have a strong preference for forested areas that are close to water. Their webbed paws make them proficient swimmers, so they don’t mind crossing bodies of water or even hunting in them for food. They also have strong climbing skills, which serve them well when hunting or seeking an escape route.

Diet

Mouse

Leopard cats prey on mice, birds, lizards, insects, and water-dwelling animals.

©Rudmer Zwerver/Shutterstock.com

Thanks to their adaptation to both forested and aquatic environments, these small predators enjoy a diverse carnivorous diet. Rats, mice, and other rodents are often a primary food source, but they may also target birds, lizards, insects, and water-dwelling animals. Unlike many of their feline brethren, leopard cats aren’t known for playing with their food and tend to latch on firmly until the prey is dead. While they are technically carnivores, they may also eat plant matter independently or during the consumption of their prey.

Predators and Threats

Leopard, Tree, Animal, Animal Wildlife, Animals Hunting

Leopards sometimes prey on leopard cats, but humans are their biggest threat.

©iStock.com/RichLindie

Human hunting, house construction, and overall development are the primary threat to existing cat populations throughout their native regions. However, they are also vulnerable to larger carnivorous predators and rely on their stealth and cryptic fur pattern to escape danger. Larger feline species, like actual leopards and Bengal tigers, as well as large predatory birds, are among the potential threats.

Despite protective regulations in many countries, these felines are often trapped or hunted for their striking fur. Farmers kill them after they raid chicken coops. Natural leopard cat populations are declining in many areas, but are still considered of least concern in conservation status priority.

Reproduction, Babies, and Lifespan

Leopard Cat resting under trees

Leopard cat kittens stay with their mothers for about a year.

©Chensiyuan / CC BY-SA 4.0 – License

Due to the sheer scope of native environments across Asian and Indian regions, there is plenty of variation in local breeding habits. Leopard cats typically mate from September to March, but this season can extend throughout the year in warmer areas. Males are territorial and competitive over females when mating, which is in stark contrast to their otherwise solitary nature.

Females give birth following a gestation period of 8 to 10 weeks with an average litter of 2 to 4 kittens. Pregnant cats usually seek out a protected den close to the ground, like a hollow log or rock formation. Kittens start opening their eyes within a week or two and can start hunting on their own at 3 to 4 months. However, mothers can raise and teach their young for almost a year, which is about when the babies start reaching sexual maturity.

The average lifespan for leopard cats ranges between 8 and 12 years, with pet or captive animals known to live for over 15 years. Survival rates typically decrease dramatically in areas with significant human disturbance compared to protected areas. Several feline viral diseases, including feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), can impact these cats and reduce their life expectancy.

Population

As the most widespread small felid species in Asia, these cats still have a relatively substantial and stable population across many different countries. They are currently found as far north as Korea and eastern Russia, as far south as Indonesia, and west throughout the Nepalese mountain region. Their native range includes virtually all countries between Korea and India.

Leopard cat male close up in the nature

Leopard cats have a conservation status of least concerned.

©Sainam51/Shutterstock.com

In the Zoo

Leopard cats can be found in the following Zoos in the USA:

View all 98 animals that start with L

Share on:
About the Author

After a career of working to provide opportunities for local communities to experience and create art, I am enjoying having time to write about two of my favorite things - nature and animals. Half of my life is spent outdoors, usually with my husband and sweet little fourteen year old dog. We love to take walks by the lake and take photos of the animals we meet including: otters, ospreys, Canadian geese, ducks and nesting bald eagles. I also enjoy reading, discovering books to add to my library, collecting and playing vinyl, and listening to my son's music.

Leopard Cat FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a leopard cat?

Leopard cats are small, wild felines that inhabit various climates and environments throughout Asia and India. They are very similar to house cats in shape and size but are distinguished by distinctly spotted or striped fur patterns. Despite their protected status in most jurisdictions, the species is frequently hunted by humans for their fur, as exotic pets, and sometimes for food.

What are leopard cats called?

Leopard cats are also known by the scientific name Prionailurus bengalensis and are not directly related to the much larger leopard species. There are a number of distinct subspecies, some of which have their own local names. Iriomote Cats are one variation that is only found on the Japanese island of Iriomote and Amur forest cats are a northern variant found in eastern Russia.

Are leopard cats endangered?

Leopard cats are a protected species in many countries throughout their native range. They are not yet considered a threatened species by conservationists, who rank them as a species of least concern in terms of conservation status. However, some sub-species are much more vulnerable due to limited geographic area and smaller population size, so they may be considered at a higher risk level than leopard cats overall.

Are leopard cats carnivores, herbivores, or omnivores?

Leopard cats are predatory carnivores that regularly hunt to sustain themselves. Rats and other rodents are a primary food source for most wild cat populations, but they are also known to strike aquatic prey, lizards, insects, and birds. They may occasionally consume foliage or vegetation, although this only accounts for a small percentage of their total food intake.

How many leopard cats are left in the world?

Ecologists and conservationists estimate that there are about 50,000 leopard cats at large throughout their native range, which covers thousands of square miles. While this population size and density are relatively stable, there has been a steady decline in recent years. Continued habitat destruction and hunting by humans could cause a long-term decline that threatens the viability of the species in the distant future.

What Kingdom do Leopard Cats belong to?

Leopard Cats belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What phylum to Leopard Cats belong to?

Leopard Cats belong to the phylum Chordata.

What family do Leopard Cats belong to?

Leopard Cats belong to the family Felidae.

What order do Leopard Cats belong to?

Leopard Cats belong to the order Carnivora.

What genus do Leopard Cats belong to?

Leopard Cats belong to the genus Prionailurus.

What type of covering do Leopard Cats have?

Leopard Cats are covered in Fur.

In what type of habitat do Leopard Cats live?

Leopard Cats live in tropical forests.

What is the main prey for Leopard Cats?

Leopard Cats prey on rodents, lizards, and insects.

What are some predators of Leopard Cats?

Predators of Leopard Cats include leopards, tigers, and wild dogs.

What are some distinguishing features of Leopard Cats?

Leopard Cats have webbed toes and spotted fur.

How many babies do Leopard Cats have?

The average number of babies a Leopard Cat has is 3.

What is an interesting fact about Leopard Cats?

There are 11 different species of Leopard Cat!

What is the scientific name for the Leopard Cat?

The scientific name for the Leopard Cat is Prionailurus bengalensis.

What is the lifespan of a Leopard Cat?

Leopard Cats can live for 10 to 13 years.

How fast is a Leopard Cat?

A Leopard Cat can travel at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2011) Animal, The Definitive Visual Guide To The World's Wildlife
  2. Tom Jackson, Lorenz Books (2007) The World Encyclopedia Of Animals
  3. David Burnie, Kingfisher (2011) The Kingfisher Animal Encyclopedia
  4. Richard Mackay, University of California Press (2009) The Atlas Of Endangered Species
  5. David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2008) Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Animals
  6. Dorling Kindersley (2006) Dorling Kindersley Encyclopedia Of Animals
  7. David W. Macdonald, Oxford University Press (2010) The Encyclopedia Of Mammals

Newly Added Animals

A Cobalt Blue Tarantula
Cobalt Blue Tarantula

Cobalt blue tarantulas spend most of their time in self-dug burrows and only emerge when it's time to eat

A Dried Fruit Moth
Dried Fruit Moth

In the event of adverse environmental conditions, dried fruit moth larvae will become dormant and stop developing.

Most Recently Updated Animals

A Cobalt Blue Tarantula
Cobalt Blue Tarantula

Cobalt blue tarantulas spend most of their time in self-dug burrows and only emerge when it's time to eat

A Dried Fruit Moth
Dried Fruit Moth

In the event of adverse environmental conditions, dried fruit moth larvae will become dormant and stop developing.