Rusty-spotted Cat
The rusty-spotted cat is the world's smallest wild cat, weighing as little as 0.9 kg and measuring just 35–48 cm in body length. Native to India and Sri Lanka, it inhabits moist and dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and rocky areas. Despite its tiny size, it is an agile and ferocious hunter of birds, small mammals, and insects, and is listed as Near Threatened due to habitat loss.
Average Length
35-48 cm
Average Weight
0.9-1.6 kg
Lifespan
7-12 years
Top Speed
30 km/h
WildAtlas insight
High elusiveness
This species is naturally difficult to observe in the wild, even where it is known to occur.
Why this grade?
These are some of the biological and behavioral factors, among others, that WildAtlas considers when deriving this species level grade.
- Animal group
- Mammal
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Social behavior
- Solitary
This proprietary WildAtlas grade describes the animal in general and stays the same across parks. It is separate from park level insights, which depend on local conditions and data.
Quick Facts
The rusty-spotted cat is the world's smallest wild cat, weighing less than 1.6 kg.
It is found almost exclusively in India and Sri Lanka.
Despite its tiny size it is an agile and fierce predator of birds and rodents.
Habitat & Range
Habitats
Regions
Behavior & Reproduction
Activity Pattern
Nocturnal
Social Structure
Solitary
Gestation Period
67 days
Litter Size
2
Predators
Leopards, Large Owls, Humans
Found in Parks
Where should you look for rusty-spotted cat? Explore each park's biome, habitat, and local conditions. Population, density, and sighting trends will shape future park specific insights.
