Gestation lasts about 70 days. Female ocelots usually give birth to one to four kittens, averaging two young per litter. Females give birth in well protected areas such as a dense thorn thicket or hollow tree. Life Cycle Ocelot kittens are highly reliant upon their mother for survival, and the mother cares for her young alone. When it becomes necessary for her to hunt, the mother will conceal the litter in a den surrounded by thick shrubs.
Kittens are dependent on their mother for five to six months.
At around 6 months of age, kittens start to practice hunting techniques alongside their mother, but they will not hunt alone until 18-24 months of age. By that time, they are ready to leave their mother's side to look for their own territory and mate. They mark their territory with urine and scent markings. Male ocelot ranges are often larger than that of a female. Although individuals roam and hunt separately, research indicates that ocelots will frequently contact one another and probably maintain a network of social ties.