Facts about ocelots
- Ocelot is covered with a contrasting pattern of dark spots, and on the mug – an extravagant make-up of clear bands. Immediately attract the attention of the large brown eyes of the ocelot, who closely monitor everything that is happening around.
- Ocelot is the largest representative of the genus Leopardus. The ocelot has a smooth coat, rounded ears and large front paws. Ocelot is a nocturnal animal and loves to defend its territory. He will fiercely, even to death, fight for his territory. In addition, the ocelot carefully marks its territory with urine.
- Like most cats, ocelots are singles. They are found only for mating. During the day these cats sleep on trees or in dense foliage and sometimes they can share their “bed” with an individual of the same sex.
- Males occupy a territory of 3.5 to 40 km², and females – a smaller territory of 0.8-15 km², which do not intersect with the males. Ocelots hunt in the territory of 18 km².
- Ocelot diligently follows the prey, can follow it from a safe shelter for a long time. Usually ocelots hunt birds, lizards and small animals, sometimes they can eat snakes, and if they do, they will be able to cope even with small donkeys and pigs.
- They love cats and fishing, while they can catch both small fish and large fish. Ocelots do not mind from time to time just swim – to maintain a good mood and physical shape.
- Compared with other small cats, ocelot cubs grow very slowly. At birth, the cubs weigh about 250 g, and the eyes are opened only after 15-18 days. They begin to leave the den in three months, but stay with their mother for up to two years, and then go to search for their own territory.
- Like many wild cats, ocelots often act as pets. In captivity, ocelots live up to 20 years. Today, the ocelot can be found more often in a new habitat – in the homes of wealthy animal lovers. It costs a kitten ocelot in different ways – from $ 2 thousand to $ 15 thousand.
- However, before you start a home predator, you should prepare yourself properly. Ocelot is a proud cat and will behave well only under ideal conditions.
- It should be borne in mind that the ocelot is a predator, and from time to time it will be useful for him to warm up and remember the hunting skills. In addition, this cat is a night beast, in the daytime he is used to sleeping sweetly, and in the evening – goes on a hunt.
- At home, the ocelot needs to be given not only an opportunity to hunt, but also a site for acrobatic exercises. In fact, an ocelot simply needs a spacious and protected aviary for climbing trees or special man-made structures, without it the beast will become entangled and lose its sporty appearance.