5 Interesting Facts about the Clouded Leopard: It hangs on trees like a monkey

The clouded leopard is the first cat that genetically separated from the common ancestor of Pantherinae subfamily around 9.32-4.47 million years ago, making it possibly being the oldest species of wild cat. If this information hasn't convinced you to embark on a special journey today, just pay attention!

This remarkably beautiful cat has pupils that are neither shaped like those of big cats nor like those of small wildcats. This characteristic suggests that the clouded leopard serves as a bridge between big cats (Pantherinae subfamily) and small wildcats (Felinae subfamily). Not only is it ancient, but it may also be one of the most genetically unique wildcats.

1. Climbs like a monkey

The clouded leopard is reputed to be the most skilled climber among wild cats. This ability is essential in its habitat, ranging from the foothills of the Himalayas through Northeast India and Bhutan to mainland Southeast Asia and South China. It chooses dense forests as its dwelling place due to its secretive nature. Its long tail aids in climbing, providing balance.

In captive individuals, it has been observed that they can climb down vertical tree trunks headfirst without blinking an eye. This is a remarkable feature, considering that domestic cats, for example, would find this nearly impossible due to their anatomy. They can also rotate their hind feet inward, allowing them to wrap their hind paws around branches for better grip. Moreover, they can hang from branches using only their hind paws and tail.

You can see this unique climbing technique in action in this video:

2. Owner of the longest canine teeth

Observations suggest that although they prefer hiding in trees during the day. At night, or sometimes in the early morning and evening, they hunt on the ground for piglets, monkeys, squirrels, or birds. The species has the longest canine teeth (as large as those of a tiger) relative to its body size, resembling the proportions of extinct saber-toothed cat. And that’s not all: they can open their jaws extremely wide, about 100 degrees.

For scientists, many details regarding the behavior of the species remain hidden to this day because the clouded leopard leads a more secretive life than the Yeti. Speaking of extremes, it’s worth mentioning that females (11-16 kg) are much smaller than males (23 kg). This size difference is the largest among cats in terms of the disparity between males and females.

3. Not actually a leopard

Despite its name, the clouded leopard is not actually a leopard. Leopards belong to the Panthera genus, while the clouded leopard, based on DNA analysis, belongs to a completely different genus called Neofelis. Only the clouded leopard and the bornean clouded leopard are part of this genus.

4. The eyes are the mirror of the soul

Given the above characteristics, would you think there’s a single trait or feature of this feline that is not unique? Of course not! The clouded leopard’s pupils are not round like those of big cats, nor do they have vertical slits like those of small wildcats. Instead, they are elongated rectangles with rounded corners.

5. Doesn’t purr and roar

The clouded leopard’s hyoid bone is only partially ossified, making it impossible for them to purr. Due to the different structure of the bones in their neck, they also cannot roar like lions. However, they use various sounds for vocal communication, including soft moans, chirps, hisses, growls, and meows, as well as a prusten sound similar to purring.