Fun Marbled Cat Facts For Kids

Cats are some of the most common animals in the world, yet, certainly, you do not know much about the lesser-known species of wild cats. In this article, we will learn about the marbled cats (Pardofelis marmorata) which inhabit many regions of Southeast Asia. These cats live in the forests of India, Nepal, China, Borneo, and Sumatra. The gestation period of this species is at most 81 days. Their distribution in terms of altitude ranges up to 8,200 ft (2,500 m). Marbled cats are observed to be mostly nocturnal and rely on trees a lot and thus are arboreal as well. Another interesting aspect is that their tail acts like a counterweight as they spend most of their time on trees.  Unfortunately with a declining population these creatures are listed as near threatened by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Marbled cats resemble domesticated cats with the notable exception being their rounded ears and long thick and soft tail. They have characteristic black stripes, and on their flanks, it has irregular dark-edged blotches. They have big intimidating teeth and large feet. These cats are often referred to as miniature versions of the clouded leopard, despite not being related to them. By reading this article you too can learn and perhaps spread awareness about these cats. Keep reading to know more.

If you enjoy reading this article, check out these Sunda clouded leopard facts and marbled polecat facts.

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What type of animal is a marbled cat?

The marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata) is a wild cat that belongs to the eastern Himalayas and Southeast Asia.

What class of animal does a marbled cat belong to?

Marbled cats belong to the class Mammalia of the kingdom Animalia. Furthermore, marbled cats belong to the order Carnivora, family Felidae, subfamily Felinae, and lastly genus Pardofelis.

How many marbled cats are there in the world?

According to the latest estimates, the total adult population of marbled cats is recorded at somewhere around 10,000 individuals. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) suggests that their population is decreasing and thus, this species is listed as near threatened.

Where does a marbled cat live?

While it is known that their conservation status is near threatened, the range of habitat of the marbled cat is not thoroughly studied. Marbled cats are found in countries in Asia including Thailand, Borneo, Nepal, Bhutan, and China. Living near forests at foothills of mountain ranges, these cats are found in altitudes that range up to 8,200 ft (2,499.3 m). Despite the wide range of distribution, marbled cats are endangered.

What is a marbled cat's habitat?

The marbled cat habitat is associated with its proximity to the forest. This species is found commonly in moist and mixed deciduous-evergreen forests. Camera traps in Sumatra have observed marbled cats are likely to live along forest edges at relatively moderate elevations. In Borneo, the marbled cat has been spotted in dipterocarp forests, sandy beaches, and swampy mangrove forests. There is great variance in the altitudes of their habitat from one place to another. These cats are found in altitudes that range from 3281-6233.5 ft (1000-1900 m) in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area. While in the Jigme Dorji National Park in Bhutan and Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary in India they may be found as high as 12467.1 ft (3800 m) and 9022.3 ft (2750 m) respectively.

Who do marbled cats live with?

These cats live mostly solitary lives. Living an arboreal lifestyle, they most likely interact with each other among trees in their breeding season.

How long does a marbled cat live?

The lifespan of the marbled cat is estimated to be up to 12 years. An educated guess for their lifespan in the wild would be less than 12 years.

How do they reproduce?

Following mating, the gestation period for these cats is between 66-81 days. The litter size varies between one individual kitten and four kittens. When the kitten is born, they weigh only between 2.2-3 oz (61-85 g), and it takes about 12 days for them to even open their eyes. It takes about 59 days for kittens to be weaned.

What is their conservation status?

In Sumatra, there have been studies in which a marbled cat was observed. It was recorded that the marbled cat is photographed less frequently than the clouded leopard, leopard cat, and Sumatra tiger, making it a rare and endangered species. According to the IUCN Red List, marbled cats are Near Threatened. This implies that the population of marbled cats is decreasing.  

What does a marbled cat look like?

*Please note that this is an image of a  grey tabby cat, which looks similar to a marbled cat. If you have an image of a Marbled cat, please let us know at [email protected].

These marbled cat looks like a domesticated cat but they have rounded ears. Their coat is thick and soft too. Their long bushy tail is about as long as their head and body. Their fur is brown to gray in color or even reddish-brown with black stripes. It also has dark-edged blotches on its flanks. They have large canine teeth and feet like that of a tiger. This is a product of parallel evolution more than closeness in relation. Their paws are webbed and also are totally sheathed. They also have black spots on their legs and their tail.

How cute are they?

Marbled cat's bushy tail, black spots make them very cute, like tiffany cats. If you doubt the description make sure you look at their kittens if you get a chance.

How do they communicate?

Like any other cat, this species, too, uses a combination of meowing, purring, and hissing to communicate. Their interactions have not been reliably observed in the wild to make conclusive statements about how they communicate.

How big is a marbled cat?

Marbled cats are about the same size as domestic cats. Their body length is between 17.7-24.4 in (45-62 cm) while the length of their tail is between 13-21.6 in (33-55 cm).

How fast can a marbled cat run?

There is no reliable information on the speed of this cat.

How much does a marbled cat weigh?

The weight of a marbled cat is recorded to be between 4.4-11 lb (2-5 kg).

What are the male and female names of the species?

There are no unique names for the male and female of this species. Despite this, the male cat can be called a tom or tomcat while the female may be called a queen.

What would you call a baby marbled cat?

Baby marbled cats are called kittens.

What do they eat?

They prey on birds, rodents, fruit bats, lizards, and squirrels among many others.

Are they dangerous?

Being similar to the generic domestic cat, the marbled cat is not particularly dangerous to humans. That being said it is undeniable that they are dangerous to their prey. Their diet includes birds, squirrels, rodents among others.

Would they make a good pet?

Like the Asian golden cat, this species is found in the wild and is suited to those conditions better. If you are keen to get a cat as a pet, many other species of domesticated cats will suit you better.

Did you know...

Marbled cats are endemic to Southeast Asia. There is no particular information about their hibernation process.

Why is the marbled cat endangered?

The primary cause for the decreasing population of these cats is deforestation in their habitat. This destruction of the forest habitat is motivated by logging and agriculture. These cats are also snared extensively by many tribes for their meat and skin all over Asia.

Do marbled cats eat lizards?

Yes, it is possible for lizards to be a part of the marbled cat's diet.  

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these Giant Flying Squirrel facts and Giant Ground Sloth facts for kids.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Marbled Cat coloring pages.

*Please note that the main image is of a  Bengal cat, which looks similar to a marbled cat. If you have an image of a Marbled cat, please let us know at [email protected].