Experience the adorable Pallas’ cats: The icons of the untamed feline realm.

Being two reporters who are fond of cats, we always seek the comfort and company that our feline friends offer. However, due to our busy schedules, we were looking for more than just an ordinary housecat, and that’s when we stumbled upon Pallas’s cats. We were intrigued by their distinctive appearance and expressive faces, which led us to visit Nasu Animal Kingdom in Tochigi Prefecture to meet these unique felines.

Pallas’s cats are believed to be the oldest species within the Felidae family. They have round pupils, wide eyes, flat faces, and thick fur, which makes them look adorable. The two Pallas’s cats at Nasu Animal Kingdom, Bol and Polly, have become famous in the world of these small wildcats due to their viral videos and peculiar hunting habits.

Upon our arrival at the animal kingdom, we met Bol, who ran over to us and sat on a stump in front of a glass wall. His fur was fluffier than we had imagined, and his intense gaze was captivating. According to animal keeper Yuri Chiba, Pallas’s cats’ round pupils give them a distinct facial expression that is similar to that of humans.

We were fascinated by these exceptional cats and left Nasu Animal Kingdom feeling enriched by their presence. Although we cannot have a Pallas’s cat as a pet due to our daily routines, we are grateful for the opportunity to observe them closely and appreciate their unique beauty.

Polly, a Pallas’ cat, was caught on camera walking on snow and approaching humans. These cats, originally from Central Asia, have adapted to survive in harsh environments with hot summers and cold winters. They are well-equipped for the cold Japanese winter thanks to their thick winter pelage. Polly displayed hunting behavior by moving slowly with a lowered body, tail, and limbs. The facility aims to support this natural behavior. Despite their cute appearance, Pallas’ cats exude a wild air and rarely make noise unless it’s breeding season when males may meow or hiss threateningly.

Bol, the Pallas’s cat, has a fondness for stretching but doesn’t enjoy being handled. These cats are fierce and require protection when entering their exhibition room, as they will even devour horsemeat with gusto! These impressive felines shouldn’t be underestimated. Unfortunately, their population declined due to uncontrolled hunting for their fur, leading them to be classified as a near-threatened species. However, they are now deemed “least concern” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. In Japan, 16 Pallas’s cats live in zoos and animal parks, where staff work tirelessly to safeguard them from contagious illnesses. During our visit, we discovered that these cats are more than just cute; they have an array of expressions and movements that are fascinating to observe. We left feeling determined to protect Pallas’s cats and hoping to see them again soon!