Somewhat larger than domestic cats, jungle cats range from 55 to 94 centimetres (22 to 37 in) in length, plus a relatively short 20 to 31 centimetres (7.9 to 12 in) tail, and stand about 36 centimetres (14 in) tall.
Weight varies across the range from 3 to 12 kilograms (6.6 to 26 lb).
Males are slightly larger than females. The face is relatively slender, with large rounded ears. Due to the long legs and short tail, and the fact that the ears bear a tuft of black hair, this cat resembles a small lynx (hence the name "swamp lynx").[3]
Dependent on the subspecies the colour of the fur is yellowish-grey to reddish-brown or tawny-grey, and is ticked with black. Vertical bars are visible on the fur of kittens, which disappear in adult cats, although a few dark markings may be retained on the limbs or tail. The muzzle is white, and the underside is paler in color than the rest of the body.[3]
The most distinctive feature of a jungle cat is the presence of equal-sized claws on both fore and hind legs (unlike those of common domestic cats, for example, where hind claws are normally longer and stronger than fore). These allow it to climb down trees as easily as up, with its head facing downward.[citation needed]