Asian Leopard Cat Behavior

The Asian leopard cat, Prionailurus bengalensis, can be found in many parts of Asia. They are slightly larger than domestic house cats and share many of the same behaviors.

  1. Asian leopard Cat

    • The Asian leopard cats are solitary although their territories will often overlap. They have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

    Mating Behavior

    • The mating behavior of the cats depends on where in Asia they live. For example, in Southeast Asia the cats breed throughout the year, however in India they breed in late winter. There are two or three babies in each litter and they will reach sexual maturity at about 8 months of age.

    Hunting Behavior

    • Asian leopard cats are carnivorous and they hunt mostly at night. They hunt for small animals like rodents and reptiles. They will fish for eels and scavenge from carcasses, called carrion.

    Habitat

    • These cats are less dependent on forest cover than some of their relations and they have adapted from their natural habitats to those of man. Sugar plantations have encroached on the cat habitat, causing the cats to adapt to what is available in their territories.

    Living with Humans

    • Living near people has changed some of the Asian leopard's behaviors. They have been known to raid poultry from nearby farms.