Beautiful wild cats, Ocelots were often kept as pets. However, keepers had to face a lot of difficulties due to the species behavior. Like all wild animals, Ocelots displayed characteristics that could not be escaped. It is the Ocelot nature to be strung and highly active.
Keepers of this exotic animal had to cut its claws and get rid of smell. Not all their attempts turned out to be successful. Thus, Ocelot habit to urinate on objects to mark their territory could not be handled. Nowadays, it is illegal to keep Ocelots as pets. This species is considered endangered and any hunting, trading, or other illegal actions are to be punished.
Ocelots - Cats - Behavior
Ocelots are solitary territorial animals. The home range of a male Ocelot is larger than that of a female. However, females are no less fierce in defending their home ranges. It has been estimated that the home range of a female Ocelot may be about 9 sq. miles. Ocelots make use of scent marking to show their area rights and readiness to mate.
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Picture courtesy of
Big Cat Rescue
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Ocelots - Cats - Reproduction
Ocelots are solitary animals. They are observed in pairs only during the mating season. Females reach sexual maturity by the age of 18 months. Male Ocelots are known to mature earlier.
It is believed that the species is reproductive year round. However, there have been some breeding peaks reported. They differ depending on the area. Thus, Texas population appears to have the breeding peak during the autumn months. In Paraguay, Ocelot Cats breed mainly in October through January.
The gestation period in the Ocelot cat is about 79-85 days. Litters are usually small. Ocelots give birth to no more than 3 cubs. As a rule, however, the litter size is 1-2 kittens. Male Ocelots do not take part in rearing the young. Females supply the juvenile with necessary care and food.
The juvenile are likely to stay with their mother until one year old. During this time, the female will teach them to hunt. After that, they will leave in search of their own home ranges. Usually, Ocelots live for about 7-10 years in the wild.
Ocelots - Cats - General Information Links
1Up Info - Ocelot - Provides an entry on the anatomy, ecology, behavior, characteristics, diet, distribution, habits, and habitat of the medium-sized cats, who can be tamed.
Animal Diversity Web: Ocelots - Leopardus pardalis lives in tropical climates. Learn about its hunting behavior and dietary habits.
Animal Planet: Ocelots - Ocelot description, diet, reproduction, range and habitat, special adaptation, and conservation information.
BBCi: Ocelots - Photos of this cat in the wild are accompanied by an audio clip of its growl and facts about its anatomy, habitat and lifestyle.
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Picture courtesy of
Big Cat Rescue
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Belize Zoo, The - Ocelot - Learn about the habits and habitat of this spotted Central and South American cat, and view video footage and photos of the creature.
Birds and All Nature: The Ocelot - Find an account of the behaviors of the beautiful, spotted jungle cat.
Cat House: Ocelots - Read of the wild cat and its range. View a photograph of one specimen.
Creature World - Ocelots - Provides kids with some basic facts regarding Ocelot behavior and ecology.
Digimorph - Leopardus pardalis (Ocelot) - General information on the species and the skull.
Ecology of Ocelot and Margay - Compares the ecology of these two cats, noting similarities and differences.
Geoffroy's Cat or Ocelot - Gives the feline's scientific classification and physical measurements. View several photos of its skull.
Kids' Planet: Ocelots - Ocelot status, description, and habitat.
MSN Encarta - Ocelot - Reference entry for this American wildcat describes its colors and predatory habits. Open the selected Web link to learn more.
Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) Links - Links to Ocelot related sites.
Ocelot [Teens/Mature Teens] - Key facts on the Ocelot, including its life span, litter size, and weight.
Ocelot Description - The Ocelot is often referred to as one of the most beautiful of cats, with a graceful body and long, powerful legs.
Ocelot Guide [Kids/Teens/Mature Teens] - Find out where this species lives, including some interesting facts about Ocelot's litter weight.
Ocelot Printout - Diagram and basic facts about the Ocelot.
Ocelot Stock Photography - Ocelots are endangered in Texas: less than a 100 are estimated to remain in the national wildlife refuges scattered throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Ocelots in Brief - Brief information on the Ocelot.
PROFELIS: Ocelots - Description of the species.
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Picture courtesy of
Big Cat Rescue
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Species: Ocelot - Felis pardalis - Detailed taxonomic classification information and other statistics.
Spotlight on the Ocelot - Brief information on the life cycle and threats.
The Rivers of Guianas: Ocelots - Brief information on Ocelot appearance and distribution.
The SCMS Internet Wildlife Park: Ocelots - Get cool facts about Ocelots. Contains information on the species appearance, diet, and habitat.
What is Ocelot? - Educate yourself about this wild cat.
Wikipedia: Ocelots - Learn more about the Ocelot Cat.
Wildlife on Easy Street - Ocelot - Discusses the geographical distribution, size, and appearance of the cat. Learn of its ecology.
