Ocelots are solitary creatures, and have territories as large as 34 square miles for males and 20 square miles for females. They can be found in dense lowland tropical rainforests, dry and moist deciduous forests, mangrove forests, swamps and riparian corridors. They are well-adapted to climb trees and are often found in the canopy, as well as along forest streams.
Ocelots are carnivorous and their diet includes rabbits, rodents, other small mammals, reptiles and birds. They supplement their diet with insects, amphibians and even fruits. Unlike most cats, ocelots are very proficient at swimming. They are agile climbers, and can often jump 10-12 feet in a single bound.
These small cats usually lead a lone life, but occasionally they may be seen in pairs. They are mostly active at dawn and dusk and rarely seen in daytime. In comparison with other wild cat species, ocelots are relatively easy to domesticate.