Assuming that a nearby zoo will take in the Ocelot is poor planning. The Ocelot is a lithe, graceful cat with beautiful markings. The Ocelot's coat is a tawny yellow color spotted with dark rosettes and spots. The exact hue of the coat of this cat depends on his natural habitat, with the Ocelots living in arid climates having lighter coats than those living in heavily forested regions. Ocelots can measure as long as four feet and as tall as three, weighing roughly twice that of the average domesticated cat.
Ocelots thrive in a variety of habitats, from lush groves to arid deserts and forests.
The Ocelot once roamed through North, South and Central America, but the North American population has been seriously depleted from man's encroachment into the cat's habitat and hunting. Reports have stated that Ocelots live in every country south of the United States, except for Chile. There is occasional Ocelot sightings in Texas, Arizona and Mexico. The Ocelot is still plentiful in the Amazon River basin. Trapping Ocelots for the pet trade has also depleted the general population, a fact that prospective owners should keep in mind before purchasing an Ocelot as a pet.