The pallas cat is more used to living in deserts and rocky terrain of Asia.

But this kitten is settling into the less dramatic surroundings of east Kent.

Born a few months ago and yet to be named, he lives at Howletts wild animal park in Bekesbourne with parents Dmitri and Kamen.

“It is difficult to breed pallas cats in captivity, but we have been particularly successful,” said keeper Ben Warren.

The pallas cat – felis manul pallas – was discovered by and named after German naturalist Peter Pallas in 1778.

Its natural habitat is the 4,000 metre high altitude deserts and rocky country of Asia, including Tibet, western China and the Himalayas. A thick coat and compact body allow it to cope with the extreme conditions.

Unlike domestic cats, its eyes close down to a circular opening, rather than a vertical slit.

In the wild, it feeds mainly on rodents, but also hares and sand-grouse. Since settling in east Kent though, it’s taken more of a shine to pheasant legs.