Mammals
Rusty-spotted Cat
Prionailurus rubiginosus · also called rusty spotted cat
Slipping through dry scrub at dusk, a rusty-spotted cat hunts like a tiger in miniature, a spotted predator smaller than most house cats that rarely shows itself to people.
Overview
The rusty-spotted cat, Prionailurus rubiginosus, is a Near Threatened small cat found in scattered forest and grassland areas of India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Its tiny size, rusty-spotted coat, and nocturnal habits make it one of the smallest and least-recorded wild cats in the world.
Among the smallest cats alive
At barely 1 to 1.6 kg, the rusty-spotted cat is smaller than the average domestic cat, yet it is a capable hunter and climber that takes prey in proportion to its size.
Status
Near Threatened, with a population declining as forests and grasslands are converted to farmland.
Rusty-spotted Cat: common questions
How small is the rusty-spotted cat?
It weighs only around 1 to 1.6 kg, making it one of the smallest cats in the world and smaller than most domestic cats.
What does the rusty-spotted cat eat?
It is a carnivore that hunts mainly rodents, along with small birds, lizards, and frogs, mostly at night.
Is the rusty-spotted cat a good climber?
Yes, it climbs readily and will rest in trees, even though it hunts largely on the ground.
Where is the rusty-spotted cat found?
It is found in scattered forest and grassland areas of India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.