There’s something delightful about big cats. Yes, they’re big enough and ferocious enough to rip your face off. At the same time, they’re still members of the cat family — and can exhibit the same weirdness you see in domestic kitties.
Snow leopards can be a tad derpy at times.
These beautiful wildcats have an interesting habit: chewing on their tails. It’s a little odd, but they may do it because there’s so much tail to chew on. Typically a snow leopard tail is almost as long as the rest of their body.
These are nimble beasts.
The long tail of a snow leopard is incredibly flexible, which helps it balance better on unstable terrain. It also provides an excellent chew toy.
They’re made for cold weather.
These big cats usually hang out in cold, mountainous areas throughout Asia. Closely related to tigers, they can be seen as a winterized tiger.
Their long fur keeps them warm.
Cats live in all sorts of climates, but winterized cats have far different fur than their brethren in hot climates. Snow leopards have thick fur, with each hair measuring two to five inches long.
It also helps them stay stealthy.
The snow leopard’s coat has similar markings to that of a leopard or cheetah, but is mostly devoid of color. This helps them blend in to their snowy surroundings.
They have super cute ears.
Those stubby little ears are another cold-weather adaptation that helps them thrive in chilly weather, as the small size helps minimize heat loss.
Big paws, too.
Snowy, mountainous terrain is bound to be unstable and slippery. That’s why snow leopards have big, broad mitts than help them increase grip on these surfaces.
Their tails are majestic.
Their tails aren’t just unusually long. They’re also unusually thick. This is a result of fat stored in the tail for heat retention, along with a thick coat of fur.
It’s like a security blanket.
Those long, thick, flexible tails also function almost like a scarf. Snow leopards have been observed wrapping their tails around their faces to stay warm while sleeping.
They make all kinds of noises.
Just like house cats, snow leopards have been observed meowing and purring. Unlike some of their big cat cousins, they’re unable to roar.
They mostly hang out alone.
Like most big cats (lions excepted), snow leopards are mostly solitary creatures, although they may peacefully share the same territory with other snow leopards.
They’re special animals.
There are fewer than 10,000 snow leopards left in the wild, and that number is expected to go down in the years to come. Here’s hoping these tail-snuggling big kitties experience a resurgence.
