The rusty-spotted cat is one of the smallest wild cat species in the world. Its weight typically ranges between 0.8–1.7 kg; its body length is 35–48 cm, and its tail length is 15–30 cm. With a height of about 20 cm, this species is roughly half the size of a domestic cat and has a slender build. Its fur is short, soft, and grayish-brown in color, adorned with rusty-brown spots. Long blotches are found on its back and flanks, while the legs and chest display horizontal stripes. The underparts are white. Distinct dark streaks extend from above the eyes to the ears and shoulders, with prominent dark lines on both sides of the face. It has large eyes with amber or gray-brown irises. The ears are short and rounded, with pale patches on the back. Its paw pads are black, and the medium-length tail is unmarked.

Geographic Distribution and Habitat

Rusty-spotted cats are found only in India, Sri Lanka, and rarely in Nepal. In India, they have been recorded in states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. In Sri Lanka, they occur at elevations up to 2,100 meters above sea level. They have been observed in a wide range of habitats, including moist deciduous forests, dry forests, grasslands, thorn forests, bamboo forests, rocky hill slopes, agricultural fields, abandoned houses, and tea plantations. This broad habitat tolerance enables them to persist in agricultural landscapes.

^{Rusty-spotted Cat (Pexels)}

Behavior and Ecology

Rusty-spotted cats are solitary and primarily nocturnal or crepuscular. They are found not only in forests but also in human-altered environments such as farmland and near settlements. Known for their agility and hunting prowess, they are adept climbers and can hunt both on the ground and in trees. Observations indicate that sexually active individuals may also be active during the day. This species is notable for its high mobility, playful behavior, and social interactions.

Diet

In the wild, they typically prey on small mammals, birds, lizards, insects, and frogs. In Sri Lanka, some individuals have been reported to hunt domestic chickens. In captivity, their diet includes beef, heart, chicks, mice, boiled eggs, and various fruits and vegetables. Observations have shown them feeding near termite colonies and occasionally consuming fruit, suggesting that they may contribute to seed dispersal.

Reproduction

Rusty-spotted cats can mate throughout the year. Their mating behavior resembles that of other small cats, beginning with neck biting and lasting several days. The gestation period is 67–71 days, and litters typically consist of 1 to 3 kittens. The young develop rapidly, start to leave the nest at 28–32 days old, and begin consuming meat from around day 40. Nursing may continue up to 60 days. In captivity, kittens are usually separated from their mother between 3 and 9 months. Observations of males caring for and protecting the young may indicate monogamous behavior in this species.

Conservation Status and Threats

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the rusty-spotted cat as "Near Threatened" (NT). It is protected under CITES Appendices I and II. The total number of mature individuals in India and Sri Lanka is estimated to be fewer than 10,000. Major threats include habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion, hybridization with domestic cats, vehicle collisions, and humans mistakenly killing them, believing them to be leopard cubs. They are also hunted for their skin or meat and may be killed by domestic dogs. However, they may play a beneficial role in ecosystems by helping control rodent populations in agricultural areas.