The caracal is a graceful cat characterized by a slender body, a short dense coat, and distinctive long black tufted ears. Its body color varies from reddish-brown to tawny grey, complemented by a white chin, throat, and underparts. Notable features include red blotch spots on the belly and legs, as well as distinctive black stripes running from the eye to the nose and down the forehead. The caracal's eyes are yellow-brown, with vertically contracting slit pupils.