Pallas' Cat

Octocolobus manul

The Pallas’ cat is a predator specialized to live in the mountainous regions of central Asia. The preferred prey of the Pallas’ cat is the pika, a small rabbit-like rodent. It also hunts marmots, hares, gerbils, other small mammals, and the occasional bird. While not an adept runner, the Pallas’ cat is an expert ambush predator. Once it spots a prey animal, the cat creeps up slowly, masking its approach by hiding behind whatever vegetative cover is available. A flat forehead and low ears allow the cat to peek over bushes and rocks without exposing much of itself to the unwary prey. At just the right moment, the cat pounces.

The Pallas’ cat is similar in size to a housecat.
A thick coat of shaggy fur and a long, bushy tail help combat extreme temperatures that reach lows nearing -60°F.
Pallas’ cats take shelter in marmot burrows, caves, and rock crevices.

Fact File

Length: 1.5 to 2 ft
Weight: 6.5 to 11 lbs
Lifespan: 8 to 10 yrs in wild
Habitat: Mountain regions, including grassland, woodland, and semi-desert
Diet: Pikas, hares, and small rodents such as gerbils, voles, and young marmots
Status: Species at Risk (IUCN—Lower risk/near threatened )

Pallas' Cats In Action

Pallas' Cat Research

Camouflaged Cat :

Its pale, grey coat also affords the Pallas' cat cover, blending in with the surrounding rocks.

Range:

Central Asia

Earth Expeditions

Educators! Participate in an Earth Expeditions course to explore inquiry-based learning and engage in Pallas’ cat conservation in Mongolia.

Protecting Pallas' Cats

Studies conducted by scientists at the Zoo’s Lindner Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) have improved captive breeding success. The Zoo also supports field studies on Pallas’ cat behavior and ecology in the wild.

Snack Time at the Cat House

Observe as zookeepers feed snacks to residents in the Cat House at 2:30pm every day through September 6.