Average weight of male 17kg (37 lbs) and the female 13kg (28lbs). Shoulder height averages at 45cm(18in) and they have a life expectancy of about 10 years.
Identification
It is a slender, long legged cat of medium size with a relatively short tail. The coloration varies from frosted sand to reddish- brown in colour. The underside and inside of front legs are whitish in colour and spotted. The tuffs on the ears are black.
Difference between male and female: The male is slightly bigger and heavier than the female
Habits
They occupies a wide variety of habitat, from semi-desert to relatively open savannah and drier woodlands with enough cover. The presence of prey is important and the lack thereof will lead to them taking domestic stock. They sent mark their territory by defecating and the spray of urine onto bushes and fallen logs .Mainly diurnal , but more active during sunrise and sunset.Will rest in the shade during the hottest part of the day. They live mainly on prey that is smaller than 5kg(11lbs) but are capable of taking species that are bigger than themselves. They are very agile and fast and can leap up to 2m (6ft 6in) into the air. Their diet consists out of birds,reptiles, small mammals and small to medium size antelope.
Breeding
A litter of one to six gets born after a gestation period of about 3 months. The female will use caves, tree cavities or burrows asden . The young stay with their mother for up to one year