Get Ready To Fall In Love With A Type Of Cat You’ve Probably Never Even Heard Of Before

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The Pallas’ Cat, also known as the manul, is a stocky, solitary animal around the same size as a housecat. You’re not likely to see them in the wild, because they hide out in rocky crevices and caves at elevations as high as 15,000 feet, according to the Wildscreen Arkive.

In addition, it is a challenge to maintain their health while in captivity, since living at such high elevations has given the cats immune systems that aren’t equipped to handle the viruses that thrive at lower altitudes, according to the BBC.

We were surprised we’d never heard of them before, because they have such endearing looks and unique qualities!

• They start out cute…
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• …and they stay that way.
  
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• They are majestic…
  
  Lilyana Vinogradova via Getty Images
• yet very expressive.
  
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• Whether deep in thought…
  
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• Or savoring a good meal.
  
  Picture by Tambako the Jaguar via Getty Images
• The grandfathers of the feline kingdom…
  
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• …they don’t trust just anyone.
  
  Lilyana Vinogradova via Getty Images
• The Pallas’ cat’s dignity and wisdom should inspire us all.
  
  Picture by Tambako the Jaguar via Getty Images

The cats are classified as “near threatened” by the IUCN. They have historically been killed for their fur, although protective laws have helped to decrease hunting, according to Wildscreen Arkive. However, Pallas’ cats still face an assortment of dangers. Their primary food sources, the pika (i.e. the inspiration for Pikachu) and vole, are both poisoned in large numbers because they are viewed as pests. Additionally, habitat degradation and climate change continue to threaten the cats.

For more information on the Pallas’ cat, check out Wildscreen Arkive.

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