Catopuma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Catopuma |
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| Catopuma temminckii | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Suborder: | Feliformia |
| Family: | Felidae |
| Subfamily: | Felinae |
| Genus: | Catopuma Severtzov, 1858 |
| Type species | |
| Felis moormensis (Hogson, 1831)
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| Synonyms | |
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Badiofelis Pocock, 1932 |
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Catopuma is a group of two small wild cats that live in Asia. These cats are part of the cat family. The two species in this group are the bay cat (C. badia) and the Asian golden cat (C. temminckii).
Scientists sometimes put the bay cat in a different group called Pardofelis. The marbled cat is also in the Pardofelis group. However, genetic tests show that the bay cat, Asian golden cat, and marbled cat are all very closely related. This means they might all be placed together in the Catopuma group in the future.
Contents
What Do Catopuma Cats Look Like?
Both the bay cat and the Asian golden cat usually have fur that is reddish-brown. They also have darker marks on their heads. These markings help them blend into their forest homes.
The Asian Golden Cat
The Asian golden cat is a bit larger than the bay cat. It can grow to be about the size of a medium-sized dog. Its fur can be many colors, from golden to dark brown or even black. Some Asian golden cats have spots or stripes, while others are plain.
The Bay Cat
The bay cat is smaller and very rare. It is known for its bright reddish-brown fur. It has a long tail and small, rounded ears. It is very hard to find in the wild.
Where Do Catopuma Cats Live?
These amazing cats live in the forests of Southeast Asia. They prefer dense forests, which means thick woods with lots of trees and plants. This habitat helps them hide from predators and hunt their prey.
Bay Cat Habitat
The bay cat is special because it is only found on the island of Borneo. Borneo is a large island in Southeast Asia. The bay cat lives in the rainforests there. Because its home is shrinking, the bay cat is an endangered species.
Asian Golden Cat Habitat
The Asian golden cat lives in a wider area. You can find it in countries like Nepal, India, China, and many parts of Southeast Asia. It lives in different types of forests, including tropical rainforests and dry deciduous forests.
What Do Catopuma Cats Eat?
Both the bay cat and the Asian golden cat are carnivores. This means they eat meat. They are skilled hunters.
Hunting Habits
They mostly hunt small animals. Their diet includes rodents like mice and rats, birds, and small reptiles. They are also known to hunt larger prey like deer and wild pigs, especially the Asian golden cat. They hunt mostly at night or during the early morning and late evening.
Images for kids
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An Asian golden cat in its natural habitat.
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Map showing where the Asian golden cat lives.
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Map showing the limited home of the bay cat on Borneo.
