Far Eastern Cat: A Wild Amur Beauty

Native to the forests of the Russian Far East, the Far Eastern cat, also called the Amur cat, is a striking wild cat. This elusive beauty, with its sleek, golden-brown coat and keen instincts, is well suited to the rough, dense terrain of the area.

The Far Eastern cat, in contrast to its domestic counterparts, lives a solitary and reticent life, frequently avoiding human sight. Being able to adapt to its surroundings and survive in challenging conditions has given it the reputation of being one of the most enigmatic cats in the wild.

The Far Eastern cat is threatened by habitat loss and poaching, despite its hard exterior. In order to protect this rare and endangered species for future generations, conservation efforts are now essential.

The Amur cat, sometimes referred to as the Far Eastern cat, is a rare and exquisite wild cat that is indigenous to the forests of the Far East of Russia. This little but tough predator is well-known for its gorgeous coat, which complements its forest surroundings beautifully and aids in its survival under adverse circumstances. The Far Eastern cat is an intriguing topic for both wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists due to its elusive nature and strong connection to the wild. It continues to be a symbol of the wild beauty of the Amur region.

Amur forest cat – who is it

The first record of the Amur forest cat dates back to 1871. The animal’s hides have been shipped to China since then so that they can be used to make hats and collars. The animal’s current Red Book status (in Primorsky Krai) stipulates that its eradication would come with a hefty fine. Furthermore, the cat is listed in the CITES Convention’s Appendix II. This threatened species of cat family has been saved because of reserves and zoos. Although the population size is unknown, it is known that roughly 100 individuals are housed in zoos and reserves in Japan.

Russia released a one ruble jubilee silver coin featuring an image of the Amur forest cat in 2004.

The state protects the Amur forest cat in the Far East.

Classification table of the Amur forest cat cat

Description of the Amur forest cat

Predator that is quite attractive is the Amur forest cat. It is not quite as big as a house cat. But let’s go through things sequentially.

External features

The Amur forest cat is 75–90 cm tall and can weigh up to 15 kg. The creature possesses:

• rather long legs;
• a thin tail;
• small head.

The thick, luxurious coat keeps the cat comfortable even during the coldest winters. The animal’s primary fur color is either a dull brownish-gray or a light yellowish-gray. The cat’s body is covered in numerous round, dark, fuzzy, or transparent spots. The animal’s tail has a dark tip.

The Amur cat is referred to as a "money cat" in Chinese culture due to the spots on its back.

Character

The Far Eastern forest cat is said to terrify many hunters because it will likely attack in self-defense if it feels threatened. On the other hand, some sources claim that this animal lives a solitary life and never exhibits aggression toward humans. These animals act like predators in zoos, behaving cautiously.

Habitat

The Amur forest cat coexists with Far Eastern leopards and tigers. It is alive.

• in the Amur River basin;
• on the coast of the Sea of ​​Japan;
• near Lake Khanka.

The animal can be found in China as well. It prefers to nest in dense mountain forests and in tangles of bulrushes, bushes, and reeds.

Diet

The forest cat of Amur consumes:

Large members of the fauna, such as young hares and roe deer, are occasionally attacked by the animal. It is compelled to remain near human habitations during the snowy winters and consume small domestic animals.

Occasionally, the Amur forest cat will consume birds.

Reproduction

March is when Amur forest cats mate. They release a final meowing sound that sounds like singing at this point, but these animals typically snort and hiss. They live in pairs during the mating season. The average female pregnancy lasts 70 days. One to four blind kittens can make up a litter. On the tenth day of life, they open their eyes.

At 1.5–2 months, Far Eastern forest kittens emerge from the den for the first time.

Kittens first leave their shelter, which can be thickets of bushes or a hollow in a tree, at the age of 1.5–2 months, and they leave their mother at the age of 6 months. Some sources state that animals reach sexual maturity at 8 to 10 months, while others state that they do so at 18. It’s interesting to note that a kitten’s parents raise them.

In an experiment, scientists crossed domestic Asian cats with Amur forest cats at the start of 2000. The "savages" also gave their domesticated animals rough treatment during this period. However, scientists continued to wait for the litter.

Scientists fear that the genetic purity of the Amur forest cat and its domestic relative may be lost as a result of this crossing. However, breeders should take advantage of this chance to maintain hybrids at home.

One of my friends loves wildlife and life in tents, so he often goes to different parts of Russia to get acquainted with their landscapes. One autumn he and his friends went to Primorsky Krai – this was the period of his vacation. The guys lived in tents, so to speak, in the open air. A friend often travels with them, who loves to study the animal world, so to speak, "in reality" and leaves various treats for the animals near the tents. He does this secretly, because other members of the team scold him – you never know, a dangerous animal will come running to the treat. And so, having put down another "yummy", he began to observe the designated place. He did not have to wait long: as soon as it got dark, a small cat approached the treat. At first, the animal thought for a long time whether it was possible to take the treat, watching it from afar. Then it crept very quickly and took possession of a treat, after which it also disappeared behind the tree in 2 counts. The team member feeding the animal put the treat in the same place every day. And each time the cat returned for food, still afraid. The feline benefactor himself did not know whether these were different cats or the same.

Life in captivity

In zoos, the Amur forest cat population is maintained. In this area, the animals have demonstrated their ability to procreate and become devoted parents. They still try to "run away" at the first sign of danger and are not particularly amiable toward humans.

Even in confinement, the Amur forest cat is averse to humans.

Live birds and small rodents are fed to animals in zoos. Amur forest cats can live up to 17 years in captivity, but they can only survive up to 10 years in the wild. These animals must be kept in large enclosures; homes are not suitable for them.

Since the Amur forest cat is protected by law, acquiring one is prohibited. However, even if you attempt to tame a kitten purchased from smugglers, it will undoubtedly "show claws" when it grows up.

These creatures inhabit numerous nature reserves in Russia:

• Kedrovaya Pad (Primorsky Krai);
• Khanaysky (Primorsky Krai);
• Usuriysky (Primorsky Krai);
• Lazovsky (Primorsky Krai);
• Bolshekhekhtsirsky (Khabarovsk Krai).

The untamed nature and remarkable beauty of the Far Eastern cat make it a true symbol of the wild Amur region. This unusual feline has shown remarkable survival skills and resilience by adapting to its harsh surroundings.

Meeting this cat is a unique and remarkable experience due to its elusive nature and solitary way of life. The need for conservation efforts to safeguard this amazing species grows as human encroachment on its habitat increases.

Knowing the distinctive characteristics of the Far Eastern cat prompts us to appreciate and protect these exquisite animals while also serving as a reminder of the precarious balance that exists between wildlife and environment.

Video on the topic

FAR EASTERN CAT AND ITS PLACE AMONG PEOPLE

LIFE WITH A FAR EASTERN CAT. BLOOD AND SHIT

AMUR CAT CHASED KITTEN SERUSHKA AWAY

Difference between a domestic common cat and a wild European forest cat