Mammals · Carnivora · Felidae

Jungle Cat

Felis chaus

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

It is a fine swimmer, able to dive for fish, a skill uncommon among small cats. In confrontations it gives a small roar rather than the hiss typical of cats.

Weight

4 kg – 16 kg

Size

50 cm – 76 cm

Lifespan

10 years

Diet

Carnivore

Feeds mainly on other animals.

Activity

Irregular activity

Active at irregular times, by day or night depending on circumstances.

Social structure

Solitary

Lives and hunts alone, joining others only to breed.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

FreshwaterCarnivore Variable activity Solitary Feline Freshwater Mammal

24countries 27parks39same family

Fun facts

It is one of the few small cats able to dive for fish.
It gives a small roar rather than the hiss typical of cats.
It lives in wetlands and marshes from Egypt to South East Asia.
comportamientoIt is one of the least known wild cats in Asia, and is partly active by day, unlike most of its relatives.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)
Habitat & environment: Wetlands, marshes and country near watercourses from Egypt and Turkey to South East Asia
Birth weight: 43 - 160 grams
Size at birth: Blind and helpless at birth
Sexual maturity: 11-18 months
Gestation / incubation: 60-68 days
Litter / clutch size: 1 to 6 young per litter (most commonly 3), up to 2 litters per year
Lifespan in captivity: Documented record of up to 20 years in captivity

Sources consulted: Feline Conservation Foundation; AnAge; IUCN Cat Specialist Group; JungleDragon; Wildlife Vagabond; Animal Diversity Web; Wild Cats Magazine