Temminka's cat - a mysterious golden-haired predator (13 photos + 1 video)

At first glance, it may seem that a mass resembling molten gold flashed in the thick of the trees. This timid exotic predator goes hunting.





The Temminck cat is an inhabitant of the Southeast regions of Asia. It was named in honor of the Dutch zoologist Conrad Jacob Temminck, who discovered the species. Residents of rural China have a legend about a fiery beast that is stronger and more furious than any leopard or even a tiger.



Conrad Jacob Temminck

However, the Chinese are still lovers of legends and fairy tales. In reality, the fire cat, as it is also called, cannot cope with the tiger. His ceiling is a piglet or a young buffalo. Although the usual dishes on the menu of the golden predator are small rodents and, less often, small deer.

Temminka's cat can reach 90 centimeters in length with a half-meter tail and a weight of no more than 15 kilograms. That is, a wild cat is comparable in size to a medium-sized dog.





Not much is known about the life of this feline. He tries to stay away from people, which is right. Spends the night in trees or in rock crevices. The golden cat goes hunting every day - the need for fresh meat is too great.



Temminck cats are loners. But after creating a pair, the cubs become a friendly, strong family while they are raising them. The male goes hunting while the mother takes care of the children. And when the kittens grow up, both parents teach them the wisdom of life.

At the age of one and a half years, young animals become sexually mature and are ready to create their own family.



Judging by individuals living in captivity, the life expectancy is quite long and can reach 20 years. There is no exact data on cats in the wild, again due to the secrecy of the species.



And what makes them hide is the person’s attitude. Unfortunately, due to lovers of dubious Chinese medicine, cats are on the verge of extinction and are even listed in the Red Book. The meat and organs of predators were used so actively for the preparation of folk potions that animal rights activists had to intervene, create a special organization and take control of the population in order to increase it.



According to some reports, a kitten seized at an early age can be tamed and made into an affectionate pet. But there is one thing: the Temminka cat will adore its owner, and will show dissatisfaction and even aggression towards all other people.

Currently, the number of mature Temminck cats around the world is approximately 10 thousand.