Weighing just 2 to 3.5 pounds (0.9 to 1.6 kg) and measuring around 14 to 19 inches (35 to 48 cm) long, plus a tail length of 5.9 to 11.8 inches (15 to 30 cm), this little hunter is officially the smallest cat in the world.
This small wild cat is native to India and Sri Lanka, gravitating toward dry forests and grasslands. You may also see it in eastern Gujarat and Nepal.
Like its larger big cat cousins, the rusty-spotted cat is an expert hunter, preying on small rodents, birds and insects. Tiny rust-colored spots mark its coat, helping it hide in the undergrowth.
Unfortunately, the IUCN Red List classifies this species as Near Threatened, due to habitat destruction. Because of its tiny size, the rusty-spotted cat is often mistaken for a kitten — but don’t be fooled, this wild feline is a fierce predator.
