Chinese desert cat: photo, description, house maintenance

The sad story of the Chinese cat

The careful Chinese gave this animal its name, which, however, does not characterize either the animal itself or its way of life: “huang mo mao” is translated as “a cat that lives in a desert area with sparse vegetation.”

This "desert" cat is never found in the desert

Although, if you consider that the Chinese mountain cat is practically never found in deserts, then its second official name, the Gobi gray cat, also sounds very strange. For some reason, this is how it happened historically, but in the last 25–30 years, the name “Chinese mountain cat” has become commonly used for the species Felis bieti, which more accurately reflects reality.

Habitat and role in the ecosystem

Despite the fact that this wild cat is considered endemic to China and most of its population is spread throughout Chinese territory, the animals are sometimes found in Tibet and southern Mongolia. Basically, the animal lives in vast areas of the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Qinghai and Gansu, as well as in the autonomous regions of Ningxia Hui and Inner Mongolia. These regions are distinguished by a harsh, sharply continental climate, but the wild cat has adapted well to it; she even lives in the mountains at an altitude of up to five kilometers.

The Chinese mountain cat is well adapted to abnormally harsh climates

Since the basis of the animal’s diet has always been small rodents, its important role in the ecosystem was also associated with their destruction. But as often happens, a person rudely and thoughtlessly intervened in the situation. In China, for twenty years, from the late 50s to the late 70s, a large-scale campaign to combat field pests continued - they were poisoned with powerful poisons, in particular zinc phosphide. During this period, along with rodents, a huge number of wild cats also died. This was finally the reason for the end of many years of persecution.

The habitat of the Chinese cat is unique, as is the animal itself.

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Economic activities leading to the destruction of the hunting grounds of the Chinese cat, as well as poaching of the animal - mainly for its beautiful skin - have led to a sharp decline in the number of an already rare species. Its population today does not exceed 2.5 thousand adult individuals.

The CITES Convention significantly limits the international trade in animals of this species, which, however, does not prevent the Chinese from selling both wild cats themselves and products made from their fur in the markets - national hats made from the skins of this animal are still popular in the country. The endangered species is listed in the International Red Book. The population size is decreasing year by year, and this dangerous trend can lead to the complete extinction of the species.

Chinese cat skins are still a hot commodity

In addition to humans, there are other enemies of a wild cat - these are larger predators, bears and wolves that hunt its cubs.

Video: Gobi gray cat - endemic to China

History of the discovery of the species

It is not known for certain where the animals came from; they approximately inhabited the territory of China long before the appearance of people and lived in desert areas. The separation of the Chinese and European (forest) cats occurred 230 thousand years ago. The cat was first described by the French zoologist and naturalist Henri Milne-Edwards in 1892. These animals lived in China long before the appearance of pets in Europe, where they were brought after the opening of economic borders.

Today, the Desert Cat is a small species, numbering from 2,500 to 10,000 adult individuals according to various sources, and these data are inaccurate. Not all animals have been domesticated by humans; small groups live in the remaining undeveloped areas of China.

Today they are facing extinction, as residential and industrial buildings occupy new territories every day, leaving no room for wildlife.

Distinctive features of the black-footed cat

The African black-footed cat (Felis nigripes) is rightfully considered the smallest wild representative of its family. Adults weigh up to one and a half kilograms, and their body length does not exceed half a meter.

The camouflage color of the wild African cat perfectly camouflages the predator against the backdrop of sand and sparse vegetation. The fur coat of this cat is sand-colored and painted with dark spots and stripes. The shiny coat is coarse and short. On the paws the stripes form rings; The cat's legs are completely black underneath, which is where its name comes from. Tufts of dense wool protect the paw pads from the hot sand.

Black bracelets and “slippers” on the paws determined the name of this cat

The animal's body is strong and stocky, its round head is crowned with small, very sensitive ears; The greenish eyes are large, unusually expressive, although they look unkindly.

In the dark, the eyes of a wild cat shine with an infernal blue light

Mr. Cat recommends: characteristics, habitat

The appearance of the Chinese mountain cat is not much different from the domestic animal we are used to. It is larger than its European counterparts, but very similar to them. In addition, he is practically a copy of the jungle cat, although his paws are slightly shorter, but he also has tufts on his ears. The animal's muzzle is extended forward, its coat color is yellowish-red with characteristic stripes. By the way, in Chinese the name of the species sounds like huang mo mao, which means a cat with yellow fur.

Forest or European cat

jungle cat

Chinese cat

In addition, we can say that the Desert Cat is similar to a lynx, only different in size. The tail is thick with black transverse rings located towards the end.

Wild individuals reach up to 1.4 meters in length including the tail (it is 25-35 cm) and weigh 6-9 kg. Males are larger than females.

In nature, they can be found in the northwestern part of China. The animals live in steppe and mountainous regions near the border of Tibet and in southern Mongolia.

Observations by local residents indicate that Gobi cats live in extreme conditions at an altitude of 2000 to 4000 meters above sea level in the steppes of the foothills. Sharp temperature changes reaching critical levels in winter and summer, strong winds - these are the conditions chosen by the most ancient representatives of the cat family.

In the process of evolution, the fur of these animals became denser and thicker, and peculiar slippers were formed on their paws, protecting the pads from cold and heat.

Previously, the animal was an object of hunting. As a result of this, and also due to the mass extermination of rodents that the animal ate, the number of Mountain cats decreased. Now they are under state protection and are listed in the Red Book as an endangered species.

Security status

The Andean mountain cat is a very rare and elusive cat species. As of 2001, the population size was less than 2,500 animals. According to the International Red List, Leopardus jacobita is assessed as Endangered and is also listed on Appendix I of the US Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The Andean mountain cat is now protected throughout its entire geographic range.

In Argentina, Chile and Bolivia, this cat species is protected by law from commercialization, trade and hunting. The decline in the abundance of their primary prey is perhaps the largest contributor to this low population size.

Sources

• https://prohvost.club/koshki/porody-koshek/andskaya-koshka.html
• https://o-prirode.ru/andskaja-koshka/
• https://skanvordoff.ru/query/—–/%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F%20%D0%BF%D1%8F%D1%82%D0% BD%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%8F%20%D0%BA%D0%BE%D1%88%D0%BA%D0%B0
• https://KoshkiMau.ru/porody-koshek/dikie/andskaya-koshka.html
• https://natworld.info/zhivotnye/andskaya-koshka

Features of behavior

Like all representatives of the cat family, animals are predominantly nocturnal. At dusk, you can spot a beautiful predator in the bushes waiting for prey. Cats are secretive, leaving their home with extreme caution, trying to make it as secure and unnoticeable as possible. Hollows and crevices are chosen for homes; these are mainly refuges for males. Females prefer burrows with a complex branched system and several exits. They carefully protect their habitat; offspring are bred here, which are encroached upon not only by people, but also by large predators such as bears and wolves.

Mountain cats are solitary and rarely gather in packs, only for the breeding season. The rest of the time they live in solitude, guarding with all zeal the boundaries of the territory, which can occupy up to 15 square meters. km.

Domesticated individuals are distinguished by an easygoing disposition, affectionate and surprisingly devoted to their owner. This trait, unusual for the cat family, attracts breeders. Despite this, Chinese cats can be aggressive, so they are not recommended for families with small children.

Diet of Pallas's cat

The Pallas cat's menu does not amaze with its variety - it consists of small rodents and occasionally small birds. The plowing of steppes for agricultural land (in terms of preying on livestock) looks twofold: on the one hand, rodents try to leave these places, on the other hand, they begin to accumulate near livestock camps and are more quickly discovered by Pallas’ cat.

The traditional Pallas' cat menu includes animals such as:

• voles and gerbils;
• hamsters and gophers;
• tolai hares;
• marmots (young ones);
• pikas;
• partridges and chukars;
• larks and other birds building nests on the ground;
• insects (summer).

The manul waits for the victim near holes or stones: if the hole is shallow, he scratches the unfortunate person with his paw.

In zoos, cats are given meat in combination with green cereals and bone meal, but their favorite dish is carcasses of rodents/quails specially bred for these purposes. Pallas' cats are fed in the evenings.

Puberty and reproduction

Chinese mountain cats breed in nature from January to March inclusive. During this period, animals gather in small flocks. Young animals reach sexual maturity early; already at 8-12 months they are capable of independent life and reproduction.

Pregnancy in a female lasts up to 2.5 months. During this period, the cat prepares a hole, landscaping it and creating a network of tangled passages for protective purposes. The offspring will appear in a secluded place at the right time, usually 2-4 babies. Breastfeeding the cubs does not last long; very soon young cats begin to learn to hunt under the control of their mother. By 7 months of age, the animals are completely independent and leave to look for their territory.

Study

Until 1998, the only evidence of this cat's existence were two photographs. It was then that Jim Sanderson took up his quest to find the Andean mountain cat. Sanderson saw and photographed one in Chile in 1998 near Chile's northern border with Peru. In 2004, he joined a Bolivian research group and helped radio-collar the Andean cat in Bolivia. In April 2005, this cat was found dead, possibly having been caught in a poacher's trap.

Sanderson is still heavily associated with the Andean cat. With colleagues Constanza Napolitano, Lilian Villalboy, and Eliseo Delgado and others in the Andean Cat Union, the Small Cat Conservation Union forged conservation agreements with Fundación Biodiversitas, a Chilean non-profit organization, and CONAF, the government agency responsible for managing production forests and national parks. CONAF agreed to allow SCCA to renovate a building for the Andean Cat Conservation and Control Center at their already functioning compound in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.

Villalba of the Andean Cat Union conducted a major research program, including radio-telemetry studies, from 2001 to 2006 in the Khastor region of southern Bolivia.

Conservation efforts are also being made by the Cat Conservation Federation to preserve this species.

Captivity

The Chinese desert cat is listed in the Red Book, so keeping an animal at home is punishable by law.

Despite the prohibitions, you can find exotic animal babies on the black market. When purchasing a wild animal that is not adapted to living at home, you need to understand that improper care, territorial limitations and nutrition can lead to negative consequences.

A Chinese cat, accustomed to freedom and harsh natural conditions, can get sick and die in the house.

When feeding domesticated predators with natural products, the owner faces difficulties in selecting and balancing the diet, but for experienced breeders this is not a problem.

Purchasing a kitten

Purchasing a wild animal with the character of a predator is a responsible decision. The animal needs a large territory and loneliness; individuals, accustomed to living alone in nature, are forced to be in the spotlight and show aggression.

It is especially dangerous to keep a Mountain Cat with other animals. Pets will conflict and can cause irreparable harm to each other. Victory will be on the side of the wild animal, which is stronger and larger than domestic ones.

Breeders need to know that sterilization of the Chinese mountain cat is contraindicated. He does not tolerate anesthesia well and if he survives, his character changes for the worse. Keeping such animals outside the cage is dangerous for the owner.

When purchasing a pair, even experienced breeders take risks. It is impossible to be sure that animals will be able to reproduce in captivity, since the choice of a mate in cats usually occurs during the breeding season. During the rut, animals that have not found a mate become aggressive towards their own kind, and at home they can attack the owner, perceiving him as a rival.

There is no question of the Mountain Cat living in an apartment. This is deliberate murder. Living in a closed space leads to illness and death of the pet. It is impossible to toilet train an animal; it will mark its territory no matter what, as this happens in nature.

Considering the characteristics of the animal, it is better to leave it to live in nature or, in extreme cases, in a reserve or zoo with excellent conditions and competent specialists. For the home, it is recommended to purchase artificially bred breeds adapted for small spaces and constant contact with humans.

Lifestyle

The habits and lifestyle of Leopardus jacobitus are poorly understood. Like most other felines, they are solitary, territorial animals. When meeting with a fellow tribesman or potential enemy, they prefer to avoid the conflict.

Character

Andean mountain cats are not shy - when meeting people, if they do not try to catch the animal, they do not pay attention to the person. Several zoologists were able to observe hunting, the process of marking territory, play, and serene sleep on a stone. The cats saw them but did not show any concern.

In 2004, Bolivians put a collar with a direction finder on a captured female. This made it possible to establish that Andean cats exhibit increased crepuscular activity. Assumptions about a nocturnal lifestyle were not confirmed - during the day they also cover considerable distances. Perhaps this is due to the depletion of hunting grounds.

Nutrition

The high mountainous regions of the Andes are poor in vegetation. Only viscachas were found in abundance here - rodents related to chinchillas, similar to rabbits with a squirrel tail. Unpretentious animals feed on moss and lichens, live in colonies, and are active in the morning and evening.

Whiscachas make up up to 90% of the Andean cat's diet - you won't find anything else this high. But the locals exterminate them for their valuable skins and meat. Predators die when caught in rodent traps caught by hunting dogs. The viscacha population is declining due to gas and oil production, farming, cattle breeding, and tourism.

Reproduction

The territory occupied by the male exceeds 50 m2, and it is divided between two or three females. Nothing is known about mating rituals; kittens are born in spring and summer. One, or less often two, kittens are born. Cats don't help raise offspring. Zoologists twice met a female with kittens - the babies were hiding among the stones, the mother was hunting without showing aggression.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Asian leopard cat

Manul

The young stay close to their mother for up to a year. Physiological maturity occurs by two years, males mature faster. Sexual dimorphism is not expressed. So far, scientists have not found any features of this sphere of life that would distinguish Leopardus jacobitus from other small cat species.

Breeds derived from the Chinese Mountain Cat

For exotic lovers, special breeds were bred from crossing with the Chinese mountain cat, capable of living in houses and apartments:

• Li Hua or Dragon Li is distinguished by an elongated muzzle and rather large ears. The color is spotted or striped, the main shade of the coat is brownish-red. This breed is attracted by its unusual amber eye color.

• The Li Mao or Chinese Fold is not an officially registered breed. It is believed that cats with floppy ears can only be Scottish. How Li Mao appeared is unknown. The color of the animal is grayish-brown with dark stripes. The tips of the ears are black.

Artificially bred pets are different from wild mountain cats. The animals are smaller in size and only resemble their relatives in color. They are not fussy about their diet and have a good appetite. For them, a diet is prepared based on industrial feed, canned food or ordinary products prepared independently. The choice of food depends on the characteristics of the animal. That is, they take into account the animal’s lifestyle, whether it is sterilized, as well as its age and build.

Description

Andean cats are often mistaken for (Leopardus colocolo) Pampas cats, which also live in the Andean mountains.

Difference between Andean and Pampas cats

Interesting Facts

Many sites write about supposedly another breed of Chinese cats, Maneki-neko, a symbol that brings happiness. In fact, this figurine, which is often made of porcelain or ceramics, came from Japan, not the Middle Kingdom, and looks like a cat waving its paw. It is sold in souvenir shops and is believed to bring prosperity and happiness to the home.

The history of Maneki-neko began in the early 17th century, when one poor monk sheltered a wild mountain kitten dying of hunger. The temple in which the man lived was in a terrible state. One day, out of melancholy and hopelessness, the monk spoke to the animal, saying that he did not blame him for being useless, but if the cat were a person, he could be more useful.

The next day a thunderstorm broke out. A prince was driving past the monastery and saw a Chinese cat on the road waving its paw. The beast showed the way to the shelter, where the traveler found food and shelter. The next day, a wealthy guest allocated funds for the restoration of the monastery.

Since then, Maneki-neko has been in every home and it is believed that happiness and good luck always follow it.
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Video

https://www.youtube.com/embed/

* We invite you to watch a video about the Rusty Cat breed. In fact, in front of you is a playlist in which you can select and watch any of 20 videos about a given cat breed by simply clicking on the button in the upper right corner of the window. In addition, the material contains quite a lot of photos. By looking at them you can find out what a Rusty Cat looks like.

Among lovers of exotic-looking pets, it is often customary to keep wild felines in their homes. For this, fairly large animals are usually chosen: servals, ocelots, cheetahs, lynxes. A miniature Asian predator, the rusty cat attracts the owner both with its unusual color and its external resemblance to a domestic cat.