Wildlifeof China
Pallas's Cat
Cats
Photo: Barry Stewart · CC-BY
Otocolobus manul
Basic stats
Diet
Primarily pikas and small rodents, with birds, carrion and insects also taken
Habitat
Temperate grassland, mountain steppe, semi-arid desert, rocky outcrops and ravines
Range
Patchily distributed across Central Asia, including western and central China and the Tibetan Plateau
Litter size
2–6 kittens
Size
50–62cm head–body length; 23–31cm tail
Weight
2.5–5kg
Pallas's cat is a small, stocky felid whose exceptionally long coat makes it appear larger than its actual weight. It has short legs, a broad flattened-looking head, low-set rounded ears and a thick tail. White-tipped guard hairs give the grey or buff coat a frosted appearance, providing camouflage among rocks and dry vegetation. Adults measure about 50–62cm from head to body and weigh 2.5–5kg. (Animal Diversity Web)
The species is patchily distributed through Central Asia, including western and central China and the Tibetan Plateau. It specializes in open mountain steppe, semi-arid country, rocky outcrops and ravines, using crevices and burrows for shelter. Pallas's cats are solitary and principally active around twilight. They hunt mainly pikas and small rodents, with birds, insects and occasional carrion supplementing the diet. (Animal Diversity Web)
Quick answers
- What does the Pallas's Cat eat?
- Primarily pikas and small rodents, with birds, carrion and insects also taken
- What habitat does the Pallas's Cat live in?
- Temperate grassland, mountain steppe, semi-arid desert, rocky outcrops and ravines
- Where is the Pallas's Cat found?
- Patchily distributed across Central Asia, including western and central China and the Tibetan Plateau
- What is the litter size of the Pallas's Cat?
- 2–6 kittens
- How big is the Pallas's Cat?
- 50–62cm head–body length; 23–31cm tail
- How much does the Pallas's Cat weigh?
- 2.5–5kg