Pallas’s cat is one of the world’s oldest felines, with a unique set of adaptations that help it survive in Central Asia’s harsh environment. This small wild cat has dense fur to keep warm, but its short legs and distinctive yelp make it stand out. Researchers believe it diverged from a leopard ancestor 5.2 million years ago.
Found primarily in Mongolia and China, Pallas’s cat inhabits steppes and high-elevation grasslands. Its diet consists of small rodents, lizards, and birds. Despite its stocky appearance, the species is surprisingly small beneath its thick coat. The fur provides excellent insulation against freezing temperatures.
Pallas’s cat is a solitary animal, spending most of its day in rock crevices or marmot burrows. It emerges at dusk to hunt, using ambush tactics to catch prey. Its coat changes color with the seasons, allowing it to blend into its surroundings. The cat’s rounded ears and bushy tail provide additional camouflage.
Notable features of Pallas’s cat include its rounded pupils, which aid in judging distances, and its distinctive yelp, which sounds like a small dog. In the wild, Pallas’s cats live for around eight to nine years, with territories that range from 3.5 to 7 square miles. They use scent markings to define their territory.
Interestingly, Pallas’s cat stands on its tail to keep its paws warm, but it is unclear whether this behavior is linked to the cold climate or its natural instinct.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/animals/cats/pallass-cat-one-of-the-worlds-oldest-felines-that-stands-on-its-bushy-tail-to-keep-its-paws-warm