Wildlifeof China
Asian Golden Cat
Cats
Photo: James Eaton · CC0
Catopuma temminckii
Basic stats
Diet
Rodents, birds, reptiles, hares, muntjacs and other vertebrates
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical evergreen, mixed deciduous and dry deciduous forests
Range
From northeastern India and southern China through mainland Southeast Asia
Size
77–91cm head–body length in measured wild adults
Weight
7.9–16kg
The Asian golden cat is a muscular, long-legged, medium-sized felid whose coat varies unusually widely. Individuals may be golden-brown, reddish, grey or black, while some Chinese animals have conspicuous rosettes and spots. White markings bordered with black cross the face, and the underside is paler. A study of Chinese records found a body mass range of 8–16kg and documented strong geographic variation in coat form. (Duan et al. 2024; Animal Diversity Web)
This cat occurs from northeastern India and southern China through mainland Southeast Asia, principally in tropical, subtropical and deciduous forests. Radio-tracked animals in Thailand were active by day and around twilight, with peaks in mid-morning and early evening. It hunts opportunistically, taking rodents, birds, reptiles, hares and muntjacs, and sometimes larger ungulates. Despite being an able climber, it is predominantly ground-dwelling. (Animal Diversity Web)
Quick answers
- What does the Asian Golden Cat eat?
- Rodents, birds, reptiles, hares, muntjacs and other vertebrates
- What habitat does the Asian Golden Cat live in?
- Tropical and subtropical evergreen, mixed deciduous and dry deciduous forests
- Where is the Asian Golden Cat found?
- From northeastern India and southern China through mainland Southeast Asia
- How big is the Asian Golden Cat?
- 77–91cm head–body length in measured wild adults
- How much does the Asian Golden Cat weigh?
- 7.9–16kg