The bigger Leopard Cat, which has a wide range throughout southern Asia, is replaced by the Rusty-spotted Cat as one travels south through India. It seems to have adapted to more arid conditions, in dry grasslands and open dry forests. Strangely, however, in Sri Lanka, where the Leopard Cat is absent, the Rusty-spotted species prefers the more humid regions of the south and ignores the drier north. It is said that this species will hybridize with local domestic cats.

The Fishing Cat is one of the most mysterious predators of the Eastern area. Very adaptable, it frequents especially the marshes of mangroves, but one also meets it in the Indian mountains. In the water, the Fishing Cat can swim strongly, not only on the surface, but also submerged, with its eyes open. It uses this last ability to enable it to approach waterfowl, especially ducks, and grab them from below. It also lives up to its name by occasionally catching fish. In addition, it is believed to eat snakes, frogs and crustaceans.