They like to survey their surroundings from high vantage points in the mornings or late evenings, often watching for prey. These magnificent cats have a wide habitat tolerance, but prefer forests and hilly areas with rocky outcrops and hiding places, bushy areas and tall grass with associated rocky places. They are also found in arid areas, where they will hide up in deserted antbear holes. Litters of 2-3 cubs, each weighing around 500g, are born in dense cover after a gestation of about 100 days. There is no permanent pair bond and associations between males and females are temporary.
Breeding takes place throughout the year, but occurs predominantly during the summer months.
Cubs are born in a sheltered place among rocks or in an antbear hole after a gestation period of approximately 100 days. Normally two to three cubs are born, and in the early stages of their life, the mother may move them every alternate day or so in an attempt to avoid predators such as hyaena. The cubs start hunting with their mother when they are about 4 months old, are fully independent at 14 months and remain with their mother for up to 22 months, after which affectionate reunions may take place.