The jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) is a small wild cat native to the Americas. It comes in two distinct color forms: a charcoal or brown-gray type and a reddish, rusty tone. Both colors can appear within the same population, even in the same litter. Known for their slim bodies and flat, otter-like heads, these cats have earned the nickname "otter cat." They remain one of the more mysterious predators in their range.

Jaguarundis have an extensive range across the Americas. They live from northern Mexico through Central America and well into South America, reaching as far south as Argentina. Among small wild cats in the region, they are one of the most widespread, second only to the puma.