Asian Leopard Cat

From Pet Encyclopedia

Asian Leopard Cat

Asian Leopard Cat from PoesPoes Cattery

Origin of Breed

Asia

Breed Nick Names

Leopard cat Bengal cat

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Origin and History 3 Appearance 4 Temperament 5 Health 6 External Links 7 References

[edit] Introduction

The asian leopard cat is the most wide spread of the small cat species. Its home range spans from Pakistan across Asia to the Philippines. A sub species also inhabits parts of Russia. Weighing 3 to 7 kilos in weight the russian subspecies are the heavier / large counterparts where as the asian subspecies are finner built and gerally smaller. Averaging 2 or 3 cubs in a litter the leopard cat is a solitary animal only coming together once a year to breed. If the first litter is lost a female may produce a second litter that year. The leopard cat is the wild cat used to breed the foundadtion hybrids that create the bengal breed.

[edit] Origin and History

[edit] Appearance

The leopard cat averages the size of a domestic cat although the Russian subspecies may be slightly larger. A pale back ground colour is the canvas for the spotted and striped markings the leopard cat is well known for. The chin and under parts of the cat is white. The leopard cat has a roman profile to its nose, puffy whisker pads and a short but think spotted or bared tail. the back of the ears are usually black with a single large white spot on the back of each ear. The Asian subspecies have a prettier appearance with a shorter more boldly marked coat. The Russian subspecies have thicker coats to tolerate the cold weather and have markings that are less defined.

[edit] Temperament

Being a small species the Leopard cat is a shy animal and is known to spend most of its day hiding in high up places. In captivity when hand reared like "Poespoes Harry" who is pictured above, the leopard cat can be highly sociable and often bonds to a single person. captive leopard cats are greedy animals and will often obver eat if allowed to do so. Hence food can be a vital part in captive training. in comparison to a domestic cat the Leopard cat, is twice as fast, twice as energetic and over all very excitable when properly raised. A properly raised leopard cat will greet you when you return home and go to their enclosure and may respond well to training.

[edit] Health

In captivity poor diet is the main reason for any ill health within the captive leopard cat. whole prey irtems should be offered. Birds, rabbits, rats, mice, fish and chicks form the main part of the captive diet. the vaccinations usually given to domestic cats may be used to protcet the captive leopard cat and also regular parasite treatments may be benaficial.

[edit] External Links

PoesPoes Cattery Photo supplied by poespoes cattery.

[edit] References