Size: 51-77 cm. Height; 25-35cm. Weight; 3-9 kg.

Habitat and Distribution: Forested, swamp and brush areas near water in South and Central America with occasional occurrences in southern USA (especially Florida where they were introduced in the 1940s).

Age: 15 years in captivity.

Groups and Breeding: It was originally thought that this species was solitary but recent studies suggest some socialisation. Pairs are formed in neighbouring and overlapping territories and mating occurs from September to November. Gestation lasts around 70 days after which 1-4 kittens are born. The father is involved in the upbringing of the young after the first 3 days. The young are fully weaned within a month but remain with their mother for around 10 months.

Diet: These animals are foragers and as such eat a varied diet including rabbits, rodents, reptiles, birds, armadillos, fruit and arthropods.

• In parts of the world, the Jaguarundi is also known as the ‘otter cat’ or ‘weasel cat’ due to its resemblance to these creatures. In Spanish speaking countries it is known as ‘Leoncillo’ which translates as ‘little lion’.
• There are two different types (phases) of Jaguarundi; the red phase and the grey phase. These were once thought to be separate species; Eyra and Jaguarundi.
• They are very good swimmers and expert catchers of fish.
• Studies have shown that the Jaguarundi is closely related to the Cougar and that they are both related to the Cheetah. It is thought that either the Cheetah diverged and migrated to Africa or the other way round.
• Jaguarundi kittens are spotted at birth and lose their markings as they mature.
• It is a highly vocal cat with 13 separate vocalisations.