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The Manul

post #1 of 11
Thread Starter 
Ever heard of a Manul, aka Pallas's Cat? Now ya have!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsuFS8uzbzc

This feline, along with the extinct Martelli's Cat, was probably one of the first two modern cats to evolve from Pseudaelurus approximately 12 million years ago.

The Manul is about the size of a domestic cat, at 18 to 26 in long, not including its tail, and a weight of 5.5 to 9.9 lb. The combination of its stocky posture and long, dense fur makes it appear stout, plushy.... and adorable.

It has several physical features which distinguish it from other felines. For example, the eyes have round pupils rather than the slit-like pupils of other small cats, the legs are proportionately shorter than those of other cats, the ears are set very low and wide apart, and it has unusually short claws. The face is shortened compared with other cats, giving it a flattened face. The shorter jaw has fewer teeth than is usual among felids, with the first pair of upper premolars being absent.

The cats inhabit the Asian steppes between heights of 3,300 and 13,000 ft, and is now a protected species.
post #2 of 11
OMGosh, how cute! I thought they were Lemurs or something at first with the coloring, ears, eyes and tail. So adorable! I'd name one Lemur if I had one, lol.

Thanks for sharing the video and information. I've never seen kitties like these!
post #3 of 11
The Sioux Falls zoo has some. . .I think a breeding pair. One of them (I think the tom) likes to chatter at people all the time. He's funny.
post #4 of 11
Thread Starter 
Jealous! I want to see these fluffers in person.

I thought I was pretty familiar with a pretty good variety of wildlife, but I had never even heard of these guys.

So cute w/ their stocky bodies, super fluff, and little ears. Very interesting too that they have round eyes like some day hunter big cats.
post #5 of 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by Willowy View Post
The Sioux Falls zoo has some. . .I think a breeding pair. One of them (I think the tom) likes to chatter at people all the time. He's funny.
I posted some pics about 1.5 months ago - including the Pallas Cat. Saw them at the SF zoo - very cool. Re-posting the pic/video below.



(This below is a video - click to play)

post #6 of 11
What a beautiful cat!
post #7 of 11
So cool I wanna see them full in person,,,
post #8 of 11
I love the Pallas cat. That always grumpy look is awesome. The Cincinnati, Ohio zoo has them. Was able to get a behind the scenes tour when I was there with the FCF a few years ago, at our annual convention.
post #9 of 11
They are so cute. Momma cat runs after them just like a domestic momma cat. The kittens finally got the idea to go down where the wall was a little shorter so they could get up by themselves.
post #10 of 11
Awwwwwwww
post #11 of 11
How neat does that cat look? Like a bear, but a cat! Adorable face and I'd love to snuggle that thick fur!!!

Thanks for sharing!
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