# Pallas's Cat (*Otocolobus manul*) Pallas's Cats, also known as manuls, are small wild cats with fluffy fur and expressive faces. They live in the cold mountains of Central Asia and are excellent hunters. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Mountain regions - **Also known as:** Manul, Pallas Cat ![Pallas's Cat](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424823/objects/6286.jpg) ## Appearance The Pallas's Cat is a small, stout feline with a distinctive flattened face, very short, rounded ears set low and wide, and remarkably thick, long, pale gray fur with white tips. Its stocky body, short legs, and bushy, ringed tail make it appear larger than it is, unlike many slender wild cats. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Felidae - **Genus:** Felis ## Interesting facts - Despite grumpy looks, they often appear surprised or annoyed! - Low-set ears help them peek over rocks without being seen. - They have the longest, densest fur of any cat, perfect for icy winds. - This cat is named after Peter Pallas, a naturalist who first described it. ## Special abilities - **Mountain Camouflage:** Pallas's Cat has an incredibly dense, long coat that helps them blend perfectly with rocky, snowy environments. - **Low Profile Hunter:** Pallas's Cat can flatten its head and body close to the ground, allowing them to hide undetected in sparse terrain. - **Sun-Sight Pupils:** Pallas's Cat has round pupils, unlike most small cats, which helps them see clearly in bright daylight. - **Bushy Balancer:** Pallas's Cat uses its long, bushy tail for balance on rugged terrain and wraps it for extra warmth. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 46-60 cm - **Weight:** 2.5-5 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-12 years - **Speed:** 40 km/h - **Litter Size:** 2-6 - **Gestation:** 66-75 days ## Diet & Feeding Small mammals and birds are its main meal. - **Primary Foods:** Pikas, Voles, Marmots (juveniles), Chukar Partridges, Small rodents - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** Pallas's Pika (*Ochotona pallasi*) — Primary prey species in much of its range. - **Hunts:** Brandt's Vole (*Microtus brandtii*) — Important prey for this cat. - **Hunts:** Chukar Partridge (*Alectoris chukar*) — Hunted for food in certain regions. - **Eaten by:** [Golden Eagle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/golden-eagle) (*Aquila chrysaetos*) — Will hunt young Pallas's Cat kittens. - **Eaten by:** Grey Wolf (*Canis lupus*) — Known to prey opportunistically on kittens. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Steppe](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/steppe): This habitat trait describes species found in steppes, which are dry, treeless grasslands characterized by extreme seasonal temperature variations and low precipitation. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Admire Pallas's Cats from a distance in the wild and never try to touch or approach them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Pallas's Cat? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Pallas's Cat? 46-60 cm ### How much does Pallas's Cat weigh? 2.5-5 kg ### How long does Pallas's Cat live? 10-12 years ### How fast can Pallas's Cat move? 40 km/h ### What does Pallas's Cat eat? Small mammals and birds are its main meal. ### Where is Pallas's Cat usually found? Mountain regions ### How does Pallas's Cat hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Birmingham Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/birmingham-zoo) — Alabama, US · Zoo - [Mill Mountain Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mill-mountain-zoo) — Virginia, US · Zoo - [Prospect Park Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/prospect-park-zoo) — New York, US · Zoo - [Red River Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/red-river-zoo) — North Dakota, US · Zoo - [Great Plains Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/great-plains-zoo) — South Dakota, US · Zoo - [Howletts Wild Animal Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/howletts-wild-animal-park) — England, GB · Zoo [View all places to see Pallas's Cat](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/pallas-s-cat) ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Pallas's Cat: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pallas-s-cat)