Origin
The Pallas cat, a species of wild cat, was discovered in the Caspian Sea, in the C. 18, 1776, by Peter Pallas, who also gave her name, and was originally considered the ancestor of Persian cats, due to the conformation of the face. It is also known as Manul.
Manul can now be found from Iran to Southern Asia and parts of China. For a long time the animal was hunted for its thick fur, but now it is protected in many regions, especially in China.
It is native to the steppes of Central Asia where it can be seen up to altitudes above 5000m in the Tibetan Plateau.
Pallas Cat Food
They feed on small mammals, mostly rodents or birds. Among other animals in their menu we find gerbils, partridges or young marmots.
Appearance Pallas Cat
The dimensions of this feline are approximately equal to those of a domestic cat: 60 cm long, excluding the tail, 25 cm long and the average weight of 3.6 kg.
The body is covered with a long sand-colored fur or in shades of gray, with white vertical stripes, which, although not clearly visible due to the rich fur, give it a "brown"appearance. His legs are short and thick, compared to his body size.
The small head has a vargat facial collar, and its face is almost flat. The striped tail shows dark/dark rings at the base and tip; similar markings can be noted on the dorsal side of the body.
The Pallas cat has several characteristics that clearly differentiate it from other felines, the most striking of which is the round shape of the pupils. The legs are extremely short, the dorsal part of the body is bulky, and the coat is long and dense.
The combination of solid body constitution and thick fur gives it an energetic and elegant look. The fur changes color depending on the seasons, so in winter it is gray, and the patterns are less noticeable. The ears arranged laterally, covered with hair make it somehow resemble an owl.
Otocolobus manul manul
Otocolobus Manul ferruginea
Otocolobus Manul nigripecta
Behavior Pallas Cat
Pallas cats are generally nocturnal, less sociable animals that sleep in small caves or stony areas, sometimes using shelters abandoned by other animals.
They are solitary animals, both males and females mark their territory. They do not have speed, so speed is not their main weapon. Ambush, powerful claws and canines are the main assets of pallas cat hiding behind rocks or dense vegetation.
This type of feline is not domesticated and is extremely difficult to breed in captivity, most of the offspring dying. The reason is their immune system, which in the Wild is not obliged to develop, given the isolation in which they live. In captivity, however, it comes into contact with all kinds of viruses and microbes from humans or animals.
Breeding Pallas Cat
Males do not meet outside the mating season and avoid as much as possible. When they don't get along on territory, mostly males show their fangs with threatening canines to intimidate rivals and sometimes have fights. The loser has to give in to his rival.
The mating season lasts about 42 days, but females are only receptive for 26-42 hours. The sounds made by Pallas cats during this period resemble the screams of owls.
After mating, a gestation period of 9-10 weeks follows, after which the Pallas cat gives birth between 3 and 6 puppies, in April or May of the year. They have a fluffy, grey coat.
Babies are born in a burrow sheltered on a bed of dry vegetation, fur, feathers, etc.at birth they weigh around 90 grams. Fluff from birth changes with adult fur from two months of age. At four months they start hunting, and at six months they are already the size of an adult.
In captivity they live up to 11 years.
