Tips on Caring For An Ocelot

What is an ocelot?

An ocelot is a medium-sized feline that has a spotted or striped coat and long fur. They’re closely related to leopards since their spots are similar. However, ocelots are smaller and have smaller spots than leopards. Ocelots are native to South and Central America and have also been introduced to southern Texas. They’re good swimmers and can also climb trees. They’re nocturnal animals, meaning they are active mostly at night. Ocelots are related to leopards, but they are smaller and have smaller, more distinct spots. Though they look similar to leopards, they are less than half the size and have smaller spots. They are related to the margay and the oncilla, which are South American cats that look almost identical to ocelots.

How Big Is An Ocelot?

The ocelot is a medium-sized wild cat that weighs between 18 - 30 lbs. This species lives between 9 - 15 years in captivity. The ocelot is smaller than the leopard, but it's still a large cat. The female is bigger than the male and can weigh from 20 to 31 lbs, while the male is lighter at 15 to 20 lbs. Ocelots have a long tail and short legs. They have a short body and long fur. Their coat is thick, long, and spotted or striped. Their head is rounded with long whiskers and a short, rounded tail.

Where Do Ocelots Live?

Ocelots live in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. They can also be found in southern Texas, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley. Ocelots are more commonly found in southern Mexico, Central America, and South America. Ocelots tend to live in dense and wet forests with thick vegetation like mangrove swamps, tropical rainforests, and tropical deciduous forests. They are also found in wooded savannas, tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests, tropical dry forests and tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests.

Diet of an ocelot

Ocelots are carnivorous and eat small mammals, fish, birds, reptiles and insects. They hunt mostly at night, so they are nocturnal. Their diet varies depending on where they live and what’s common in that area. In South America, ocelots eat armadillos, birds, capybaras, coatis, frogs, iguanas, mice, peccaries, porcupines, snakes and turtles. In Central America, they eat iguanas, frogs, insects, turtles, birds and small mammals. In Texas, their diet includes crickets, mice, fish, lizards, and small birds.

Interesting Facts About Ocelots

Ocelots are solitary animals that don’t like to be around others of their species. They are nocturnal, and they’re good swimmers. They are also good climbers and can jump up to 6 feet in the air. Ocelots hunt at night and are especially active during the full moon. They're mostly carnivorous, but they can also feed on fruit.

How to Care for an Ocelot at Home

When you own an ocelot, you’ll need to take proper care of it. You’ll need to make sure it has a large enough enclosure and offers the best diet for its species. You’ll also need to provide it with medical care and enrichment to keep it happy.

Enclosure - An ocelot needs a large enclosure. It should be at least 20 square feet for one ocelot. The enclosure should be covered to provide shade and protect the ocelot from the sun. It should also have a warm and humid area.

Temperature - Ocelots are a tropical species, so they prefer warm and humid environments. Their enclosure should be between 72° and 86° Fahrenheit.

Diet - Ocelots eat mostly meat. They should be fed small rodents, crickets, and small fish. You should also feed them fruits and vegetables occasionally.

Exercise - You should let your ocelot play outside of its enclosure. You can also provide toys for it to play with and climb.

Summing up

Ocelots are wild felines that are native to South and Central America. They’re a medium-sized wild cat that weighs between 18 - 30 lbs. Ocelots have a long tail and short legs, and they are a solitary species. Their coat is thick, long, and spotted or striped. An ocelot needs a large enclosure with a warm and humid area. They eat mostly meat and should be fed small rodents, crickets, and small fish. Ocelots should also get to play outside of their enclosure and with toys. They are a great exotic pet to own if you’re willing to take proper care of them.