Long limbs, especially the hind legs. Underparts whitish with slight traces of spots. 25-35 cm, shorter than in any other African cat.
Cubs are similar to adults in general look, but more greyish in colour.
Its more distinctive feature is the dark tufts in the tip of the long and pointed ears, reason why it is also known as African lynx. The back and edge of ears are black. There is a black spot in the side of the face and a black line between eye and nose, both surrounded by white markings. Widely distributed but quite uncommon. Inhabits open forest, bush plains, semi-arid shrub savannah, rocky countries and stony hills, but never dense woodland.