snow leopard

If you're a cat lover like us, you have a soft spot in your heart not just for house cats but also for big cats. You'd pet them if you could, and you know it. And you wish you could spend more time around big cats like that and get to know them better, learn about each of them - what makes them special and different and what their personalities are like. 

Well, say thank you to tumblr user carnegiemuseumnaturalhistory for deciding to share their big cat knowledge with us and teaching us - unlucky big cat lovers who can't spend time with big cats - about what makes wild cats unique. Reading this has both educated us and made us want to cuddle a snow leopard even more. 

Snow leopards are everything. They just are. They are the purrfect blend of fierceness, cuteness, and just overall beauty. Their gorgeous fur and they're oh so fluffy! We don't think we could ever get tired of looking at such purrfection. 

International Snow Leopard Day was just a few days ago and we must honor these beauties by looking at their adorable pictures and watching their squeal-worthy videos. Did you know that snow leopards can't roar like their other feline friends? Instead, snow leopards use a call which has been described as a 'piercing yowl' that is so loud, it can be heard over the roar of a river!  

There is said to be only as few as 4000 snow leopards left in the wild. However, because they are so incredibly inclusive, it's difficult to get an accurate number. Snow leopards are being threatened due to climate change, habitat loss and deterioration, poaching, and more. Read about how you can help save these elusive beauties. 

A majority of the photographs below are taken by the talented @walkuptosky on Instagram. Check out her photography for endless incredible animal photographs, you won't be disappointed. 

So we asked the question.. why do snow leopards nibble at their tail? Yes it's darn cute, but is there a reason for it? The answer..

While living in very cold temperatures, they will often use their very fluffy tail to block the cold from their nose/ face! But, they also do it because they are bored! Just like cats, snow leopards like to play with their tails in order to pass the time and boredom.