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Marbled cat Facts

Marbled cat Facts
Marbled cat is wild cat that looks like a miniature version of snow leopard. There are two subspecies of marble cat that can be found in south and southeastern parts of Asia. Marbled cat lives in tropical and mixed evergreen-deciduous forests on the altitude of up to 9800 feet. This animal is rarely seen in the wild due to reclusive nature. Scientists believe that total number of remaining marbled cats does not exceed 10 000 animals. Marble cats are threatened by habitat loss as a result of intense deforestation. Certain indigenous tribes kill marbled cats due to superstition. They ritually sacrifice body parts of marble cats to ensure good harvest and well being of their families. Marble cats are listed as vulnerable species (they may become endangered in the near future).
Interesting Marbled cat Facts:
Marble cat is small animal that can reach 18 to 24 inches in length and 4.4 to 11 pounds of weight. It has 14 to 22 inches long tail.
Basic color of the fur is brown, gray, yellow or reddish-brown. Dorsal side of the body is covered with irregular blotches that have dark edges. Black stripes can be seen on the head, neck and back side of the body. Legs are covered with black spots.
Marbled cat has rounded head with big eyes, short ears and large canine teeth. It has slender body and big paws.
Specific body posture, characterized by arched back, can be seen when marble cat stands or when it is taking rest.
Marble cat is arboreal animal (lives on the trees). Long bushy tail of marble cat provides balance required for movement on the trees. Arboreal life is one of the reasons why people rarely encounter marbled cats in the wild.
Marbled cat is nocturnal creature (active during the night), but recent studies indicate that it may be active during the day also.
Marble cat is carnivore (meat-eater). Its diet includes squirrels, rodents, bats and birds.
Marble cat is territorial animal. Its home range usually stretches on a territory of 2.2 square miles.
Marble cats communicate via sounds that are similar with sounds produced by domestic cats.
Marble cat is solitary animal that gathers with other marble cats only for mating.
Pregnancy in females lasts 66 to 82 days and ends with 2 to 4 kittens.
Babies have only 2.2 to 3 ounces of weight. Their ears are folded and they are blind at birth. Ears will unfold after 5 days, and eyes will open after 12 to 14 days.
Young marble cats will start to climb the trees at the age of 2 months. Also, they will enrich their diet with solid food at this age.
Marble cats reach sexual maturity at the age of 21 to 22 months.
Marble cats can survive up to 12 years in captivity.


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