The Asian Leopard cat
The Asian Leopard Cat is a small wild cat that resides in the tropical forest, scrub land, pine forest, second-growth woodland, semi-desert and agricultural regions of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
On average the ALC is as large as a domestic cat but with somewhat longer legs and a longer back. Size and weight vary between subspecies and regions as does the fur colour; it is yellow in the southern populations and silvery-grey in the northern regions.
All subspecies have a thick and spotted or ringed tail, with a black tail tip, four black bands running from the forehead to the back of the neck, breaking up into elongated spots on the neck and shoulders, often forming a " broken necklace".
The Asian Leopard Cat has a relatively small head with a short narrow muzzle, large round eyes and black ears each with a white spot on the back. All have a white underside, throat and cheek-flashes and bear impressive black markings; either spots, arrow heads or rosettes.
It is very athletic cat and is a skillful tree climber and accomplished swimmer and fisher with accordingly webbed feet. It is also a nocturnal cat that during the day spends its time in hollow trees, cavities under roots or caves where there are no humans. Being solitary and reclusive, it will hunt at night and alone.
Asian Leopard Cats are carnivorous and feed on a variety of small prey including mammals, snakes, lizards, frogs, amphibians, birds, wood mice, shrews, hares rats and insects. Their diet is often supplemented with fruit, grass, eggs, poultry, and aquatic prey.
Keeping an ALC as a pet is possible but a DWA License is required in most places. However if you are attracted to the look of the Asian Leopard Cat but are looking for a pet with a domestic temperament, we recommend you consider purchasing a Bengal cat.
Sources: Wikipedia and Bengalcat.co.uk
Asian Leopard Cat photos: courtesy of Jacky Bliss