LifespanAverage of 4 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity
Quick facts
DietSmall vertebrates, insects, birds, eels, fish, small reptiles
HabitatShrubs, grassland, tropical forests
RangeSoutheast Asia
The Leopard Cat
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Singapore’s Last Wild Cat
They may be under the “Least Concern” International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List category, but in Singapore, leopard cats are locally classified as critically endangered.
In fact, it is estimated that there are only 21 of them left on Pulau Ubin, where it was rediscovered in 1997 after being feared extinct.
The Agile Adapter
As a solitary animal about the size of a domestic cat, leopard cats generally spend their day resting in trees and hunting at night. Keen eyesight, hearing, and a developed sense of smell make it an agile hunter and climber, while slightly webbed toes make it a surprisingly decent swimmer!
Dangerous Roads
Sadly, leopard cats face great threats from habitat loss and road kill. So, remember to slow down when driving around forested areas to keep venturing or lost wildlife safe.
If you encounter an injured or dead animal on the road, please contact ACRES or NParks.
Pet Trade Threat
Leopard cats are also often captured globally from the wild to be sold as exotic pets. This illegal trade disrupts their natural populations and subjects them to poor living conditions in captivity. By avoiding the purchase of wild animals, we can help protect these vulnerable cats from exploitation.
