The Manul Cat: A Master of Expressive Feline Communication

Manul cats, also known as Pallas’ cats, are a type of wild cat that can be found in the grasslands and montane steppes of Central Asia. These unique felines have round pupils, short legs, and a flat-face with wide-set ears that often create amusing expressions. The scientific name for this cat, Otocolobus, translates to ‘ugly-eared,’ which may explain their perpetually grumpy appearance.

Despite their fluffy appearance, Manul cats are actually similar in size and weight to domestic cats. They thrive in high altitudes of up to 15,000 feet and prefer cold climates. Due to their short stature, they are not very fast runners and prefer to hide in crevasses under boulders when in danger.

While photos of Pallas’ cats may make them seem like an appealing pet with their expressive faces, their solitary nature and high mortality rate at low altitudes make them better suited for professional zoos.

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