8 Fascinating Facts About the Jungle Cat: It Sounds Like a Large Dog

Since its first discovery in 1776, many researchers debated what to name the animal and which genus it belongs to. By 1930, they reached an agreement, and the jungle cat got its final name. Since 2017, three subspecies have been recognized, but the differences due to geographic variation are still not fully understood.

The jungle cat belongs to the Felis genus, just like the stealthy black-footed cat and the sand cat, whose paws leave no trace.

1.) They Appear in Diverse Locations, Yet Are Similar

This sharp-eyed wildcat is native to the Middle East, the Caucasus, South and Southeast Asia, and Southern China. A DNA analysis of 55 swamp cats from various zones in India revealed significant genetic variation, though the differences between populations were smaller.

2.) They Were Present in Egypt Too

Excavations in Egypt uncovered several mummified swamp cats among the mummies of domestic cats. Experts believe they were also depicted in artistic works and used for bird hunting due to their talent.

3.) Always Ready for a Hunt

Unlike most small wildcats, which are nocturnal or crepuscular (hunting at dawn and dusk), the jungle cat hunts at any time of the day, even in broad daylight, if necessary. They can cover 3-6 kilometers while hunting.

4.) Similarities to Domestic Cats

Like domestic cats, the jungle cat spends the hottest part of the day resting in a cool spot during summer. In winter, they have been spotted basking in the sun.

Jungle cats are also vocal, emitting a battle roar before attacking. Researchers compare their sound to a large dog’s bark, much deeper than a house cat’s meow, creating a sharp contrast with their sleek, elegant physique.

5.) Athletic Build

They are fast runners, with one recorded reaching speeds of 32 km/h. They are skilled tree climbers and adept swimmers, capable of swimming up to 1.5 kilometers non-stop.

6.) A Balanced Diet

Unlike most wildcats that stick to meat, jungle cats also eat fruits, especially in winter. Besides catching small mammals, reptiles, and birds, they know when to boost their vitamin intake!

Interestingly, they use different hunting techniques depending on their prey. They’ve been observed hunting muskrats in burrows, catching fish by submerging their heads, or leaping into the air to catch birds.

7.) Significant Differences in Captive Breeding

In captivity, female swamp cats’ kittens were significantly larger than those born in the wild. In their natural habitat, the male leaves after mating and takes no part in raising the kittens. However, in captivity, a male was observed being very protective and caring toward the young.

8.) Appealing to Breeders

Just as breeders used the leopard cat to create the Bengal breed and the serval to develop the Savannah breed, they have also taken an interest in the jungle cat. It was crossbred with domestic cats to create the Chausie hybrid.

Chausies are highly energetic, acrobatic, and intelligent cats. They are very playful and love being around people, struggling with loneliness. They form strong bonds with their owners and, if socialized with dogs from a young age, can get along well with them too.