The Andean Cat Is One Of The Rarest And Least-Known Cats In The World

The Andean cat is one of the rarest and least-known cats in the world. It lives high in the Andes Mountains and Patagonian steppe, where food is scarce and weather conditions are extreme. This small, sturdy cat is difficult to find—there have been only ten recorded sightings in 25 years—and even harder to study.

Researchers have found that Andean cats are much more dependent on the vizcacha than the Pampas cats which share their range. Pampas cats take a wider variety of prey and are also more abundant, even at higher altitudes, and competition for prey could negatively impact the Andean cat. The Andean cat is a solitary species, but may be seen in pairs or with cubs during mating season and after births. Mating season, according to local people in Bolivia, is between July and August; however is possible that this period is extended until November or December due to the fact that small cubs have been observed in October and April. Nothing more is known of their reproduction, and there are no known Andean cats in captivity.