The leopard cat is another nocturnal animal and is very similar to the jaguar, but smaller. Leopard cats live by themselves and only join other leopard cats when they are ready to mate. Like the jaguar, they make their homes in empty tree trunks. Agile, strong and courageous, leopard cats can also climb trees. To defend themselves, they make a sound similar to a sneeze, a growl or a roar. This means that they are ready to attack. Leopard cats avoid water. They can be domesticated as babies and live up to 10 years in captivity.
Approximate size: 20 inches long and with a 15-inch tail.
Favorite food: Small mammals, birds and reptiles.
Other names: Chibiguassu, tigrillo, yagareté-i, gato-onça, gato-do-mato.