This secretive cat is the size of a tiny house cat, earning itself the distinction of being one of the smallest cats in the Southern Hemisphere, joined only by the oncilla (Felis tigrinus). Its diminutive body is covered with buff to greyish-brown fur, heavily patterned with small black spots that sometimes form broken streaks on the head and neck. Its small head bears low-set ears, the backs of which are black with a white spot in the centre. The short tail is bushy and marked with narrow, black bands, and the rather large feet hint at this cat’s proficient climbing abilities.