Jungle cats are wild cousins of affectionate domestic cats, dangerous small predators, also known as swamp lynx. They are found mainly in Central and Asia Minor, and some representatives of the species are found in Russia, on the coast of the Caspian Sea. Researchers believe that the modern Abyssinian cat breed evolved from the crossing of these predators with Siamese cats.
Type of jungle cats
Like common house cats, jungle cats belong to the feline family, the subfamily of small cats and the cat family. They are found in the Transcaucasus, in the countries of Asia Minor and Central Asia, on the territory of Hindustan and China, in its southwestern regions. In Russia, jungle cats can be found near the Caspian Sea, at the mouth of the Volga, in the Stavropol Territory and North Ossetia. There are few jungle cats in nature, especially few of them in Russia, which is why they were listed in the Red Book.
The smallest representatives of jungle cats do not differ in size from ordinary cats, but more often they grow to more impressive sizes, reaching fifteen kilograms in weight and more than a meter in length. These animals have a beautiful and long tail with a pointed end and graceful black rings. It is easy to distinguish them from a domestic cat in appearance: they have high ears with tassels (similar to lynxes), a longer and more muscular body, often a spotted color and uncharacteristic for pets, a wild and sharp muzzle.
Jungle cat lifestyle
The name of the species was not given by chance: these animals are found in lowlands near rivers, seas, lakes and other bodies of water, among reeds, reeds and bushes. These cats hunt all small animals that are found in such areas, mainly waterfowl and mammals living near the water. Jungle cats are not afraid of water, like domestic cats: they calmly walk in shallow water, and if necessary, they can swim. They have long, slender legs, thanks to which they can spend a lot of time in the water without fear of getting the fur on their belly wet.
If a jungle cat meets a larger predator, it remains for it to flee, since it does not differ in strength, and only dexterity helps it survive. If necessary, they can climb a tree to prevent other animals from reaching them. These cats live among the reeds: branches with wool serve as a bedding, and dense thickets serve as a roof. Sometimes jungle cats occupy the abandoned burrows of raccoons and other animals.
At the end of winter and early spring, the mating season begins, when the males become aggressive and often fight among themselves. When kittens are born, parents guard them with such zeal that they can pose a danger even to humans. At other times, meeting people, cats simply run away and hide, but in such cases they can attack and inflict rather serious wounds: the claws and teeth of these wild cats are powerful.
Some exotic pet lovers have jungle cats at home, admiring their unusual appearance. But it is important to understand that these are not domestic cats, they have strong wild instincts, and they are difficult to tame.
