Felis aurata is medium-sized, about twice the size of a domestic cat. Body length ranges between 60 and 101 cm, tail length from 16 to 46 cm, and shoulder height from 38 to 51 cm, they have relatively long legs and large paws. Males are usually larger than females. Coloration can be variable depending on location, with two common color phases: golden/reddish brown to slate/silvery grey. There have been examples of melanistic forms.

Typically the chest, abdomen, and throat are lighter or white, and there are small white patches above the eyes. The ears, which are small and rounded, are darkly colored. The long tail has a distinctive dark central line, occasionally with dark bands, and ends with a brown or black tip.

The coat is usually spotted, but the pattern varies with location. Two subspecies have been recognised. F. a. aurata occurs from the Congo to Uganda and is characterized by spots only on the lower flank or belly, F. a. celidogaster occurs in the western portion of the species' range and may have spots all over or on the back, neck, and flanks.

Primary habitat is the moist tropical rainforest of equatorial Africa. They are most common at altitudes below 3600 m. However, Felis aurata can also be found in tropical dry forests and savannah grasslands and are able to survive in the secondary growth that occurs in logged areas. This has allowed it to adapt to human disturbances.

Biomes: tropical rainforest, tropical deciduous forest, tropical scrub forest, tropical savanna & grasslands.

Ethiopian: African golden cats are found throughout much of equatorial Africa. They range from Senegal southward to northern Angola, and inland through the Congo Basin as far east as Kenya.

Little is known of reproduction in Felis aurata . Most current information comes from captive populations. Litters are small, averaging one or two kittens, and the gestation period lasts 75 - 78 days. Kittens grow rapidly; their eyes open by day 6 or 7, they begin to walk by day 10. Weaning begins at about 6 weeks, and maturity is reached at about 18 months. The animals begin breeding around two years of age.

The African Golden Cat is carnivorous, preying on rodents, tree hyraxes, birds, small antelope such as duikers, and small monkeys. While they hunt primarily on the ground, African golden cats are good climbers and are capable of hunting in trees. There are reports of predation on domestic poultry and livestock, but there is disagreement over how frequently this occurs.

The African Golden Cat tends to be secretive and has rarely been observed in the wild. Consequently the behavior of African golden cats is not well understood. They are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, resting in tree branches during the day. However, some diurnal activity has been reported in parts of the range. While they are generally solitary, they possess a wide range of vocalizations that suggest some social interactions.

The lack of information about the biology and ecology of Felis aurata makes it difficult to accurately assess its situation. Because of the destruction of its primary habitat it is considered at risk, but more data is required.

Although Felis aurata has a striking similarity to Asian golden cats, Felis temmincki, it is now believed that the two are not closely related, and they have recently been designated to different genera. The resemblance between the two species is probably due to convergent evolution in similar habitats.

Alderton, David. Wild Cats Of The World. New York: Facts on File, 1995

Guggisberg, C. A. W.. Wild Cats Of The World. New York: Taplinger Publishing Co., Inc., 1975