The Pallas's Cat, an unusual kind of cat

Have you heard of the Pallas's Cat? Also called the Manul, the Pallas's Cat is a wild cat originating from central Asia. This species is as interesting as it is cute!

The origins of the Pallas's Cat

The Pallas's Cat has its own genus name in the family of felines called 'Octocolobus '. The Pallas's Cat is a wild cat who lives in the arid plains of central Asia.

Pallas's cats mostly reside in Russia, China and Mongolia, though have become very rare in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Iran.

They were long hunted for their fur but are now protected species in many zones, though poaching still occurs.

They were names after German zoologist Peter Simon Pallas, who was the first to document the species.

The physical characteristics of a Pallas's Cat

What makes the Pallas's cat different to the better known domesticated cat is its short legs, round head, flat muzzle, and small ears that are placed low down on the head, making the cat look a little like a plush toy.

They can grow to up to 65 cm across with a weight of 3 to 4.5 kg. Their relatively thick fur allows them to withstand cold temperatures.

Their facial expressions are particularly amusing, which is why more and more photos of this feline can be found online.

The lifestyle of a Pallas's Cat

Despite their strong resemblance to the domestic cat, the Pallas's Cat can't be tamed and does very badly in captivity.

The Pallas's Cat is a wild and solitary species that usually preys on birds, lizards and small mammals such as pikas and voles.

They don't dig their own burrows and are always on the lookout for a small cave in which they make into a den.

This species is facing the destruction of their habitat and the disappearance of their prey that are considered pests by the human population living nearby.

What do you think of the Pallas's Cat?