Manul cats, also known as Pallas’ cats, are a wild cat species at risk of becoming endangered. They are typically found in the grasslands and montane steppes of Central Asia. These unique felines are easily recognizable by their round pupils, short legs, and flat-faced appearance with wide-set ears that often lead to comical expressions. The scientific name for this cat, Otocolobus, translates to “ugly-eared,” which might explain why they always look a bit grumpy.
Despite their fluffy appearance, Manul cats are actually about the same size and weight as a domestic cat. They prefer living in high altitudes of up to 15,000 feet and thrive in cold climates. These adorable but clumsy cats are not the best runners and would rather hide in rocky crevasses than try to outrun a predator.
While photos of these charming felines might make them seem like great pets with their expressive faces, their solitary and wild nature, as well as their high mortality rate at lower altitudes, make it rare to find them outside of professional zoos.
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