Cubs make chirping, birdlike noises. While there are no definite times for mating, in South Africa, young caracal are generally born in July and August. After a 70-day gestation period, female caracals give birth to two to four cubs in hollow trees or rock crevices as a burrow. Cubs are miniatures of the adults, tawny with black pointed ears and reddish spots on their undersides. The marking serve as camouflage, helping hide the cubs from sight.
Cubs remain with their mothers for about a year.
African subspecies range from rare in north Africa to common in south Africa. Asian subspecies are more rare with subspecies, C.c. michaelis, endangered and possibly extinct.