Weighing a maximum of only 1.6kg, the rusty-spotted cat is the smallest member of the cat family.

Subspecies
P.r.koladivinus, P.r.phillipsi, P.r.rubiginosus.

Life span
The life span of rusty-spotted cats is unknown.

Statistics
Body length: 35-48cm, Tail length: 15-25cm, Shoulder height: unknown, Weight: male: 1.2-1.6kg, female: 1.1kg. They are the smallest members of the cat family.

Physical description
Their coat is grey with a reddish-brown tinge of varying intensity, marked with brown lines and blotches. The underside and insides of the limbs are white with large dark spots and they have dark streaks across their faces. The tail has dark rings.

Distribution
Rusty-spotted cats inhabit Southern India and Sri Lanka.

Habitat
In India these cats prefer scrub and dry grassland, and in Sri Lanka they are found in humid mountain forests. They are found around waterways and human settlements.

Diet
Rusty-spotted cats hunt small mammals, birds and frogs.

Behaviour
Rusty-spotted cats are thought to be nocturnal but very little is known of their habits. In the wild, they are frequently observed in trees.

Reproduction
Females give birth to 1-2 kittens after a gestation period of 67 days.

Conservation status
Rusty-spotted cats are listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN. The Indian population is on CITES: Appendix I and the Sri Lankan population is listed on CITES: Appendix II. The threats they face include deforestation and spread of cultivation. They are also at risk of hybridisation with domestic cats.