Three subspecies of the rusty-spotted cat are recognized.

Three subspecies of the rusty-spotted cat are recognised: Prionailurus rubiginosus rubiginosus in India and Nepal, Prionailurus rubiginosus phillipsi in the Wet forest zone of Sri Lanka, and Prionailurus rubiginosus koladivius in the lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka.

The coat of the Sri Lankan subspecies (Prionailurus rubiginosus phillipsi) is less gray and has more of a russet color than the other subspecies.

Sources: (Cat Specialist Group; Dmoch, 1997; Miles, 2013; Sunquist & Sunquist, 2002)
Image: Alma Leaper, Lead Photographer – The Big Cat Sanctuary