Rarest cats in India and where to find them – they're not tigers or leopards

Whenever one talks about wild cats in India, images of animals like Bengal Tiger or Indian Leopard instantly pop into one’s mind. But little do many know that there are some unique species of wild cats found in India whose existence is unknown to many travellers. Some of them are nocturnal, shy, and elusive creatures who rarely get photographed. Here are some of the unique wild cats in India and the places where travellers can possibly catch a glimpse of them.

With its dense fur, flattened face and permanently grumpy expression, the Pallas's Cat looks unlike any other feline in India. This small-sized feline species lives in cold, high-altitude mountainous regions of India and is extremely hard to spot. While the agility of jungle cats allows them to run around trees, the Pallas’s cat uses camouflage to survive in the wild and freezes itself when under threat.
Where travellers can find it: High-altitude regions of Ladakh, especially around the Hemis National Park landscape

The enigmatic clouded leopard is among the rarest and most elusive big cats in India. Famous for its cloud-shaped spots found in its skin, this arboreal cat enjoys staying in the upper canopy levels of the forest. With exceptionally long canine teeth relative to the size of the skull, the clouded leopard has a primitive appearance. This elusive creature is difficult to see because of its shy behavior and nocturnal activity.
Where travellers can find it: Dense forests of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Assam

This elegant animal with remarkable leaping skills and black tufted ears is traditionally linked to the royal Indian families. Today, the caracal population is considered rare in India. Caracals are best adapted to life in dry grasslands and semi-deserts, where their sandy coloration serves as camouflage against the environment.
Where travellers can find it: Dry grasslands of Rajasthan and Gujarat

The rusty-spotted cat is one of the smallest wild cats on Earth. Even adults rarely exceed the size of a regular kitten. However, despite their small body, they are able to hunt various types of prey, including birds, mice, and reptiles. Due to their nocturnal lifestyle, they remain rather elusive animals. They live in some parts of India and Sri Lanka.
Where travellers can find it: Dry forests of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Sri Lanka

Contrary to common belief, the fishing cat prefers water to dry land. This relatively large wild cat has partially webbed paws that help catch fish, frogs, and crustaceans in the wetlands. The species is increasingly endangered due to habitat destruction caused by the development of marshlands in South Asia.
Where travellers can find it: Sundarbans, wetlands of West Bengal, and Odisha

In spite of being popular around the world, the snow Leopard is extremely rare in India. Commonly known as the ghost of the mountains, the cat virtually disappears in rocky terrains of the Himalayas. Finding the Snow Leopard in the wild is regarded as a dream come true for nature lovers.
Where travellers can see it: Ladakh, Spiti Valley and Himalayas of Uttarakhand