It is a small species, reaching a snout–vent length of only 17 mm (0.67 in). The type series is from a marshy pasture through which a small stream was running; the specimens were found in and near the water. It is only known from the vicinity of its type locality, Valparai in Anaimalai Hills, Tamil Nadu.

It is endemic to the Western Ghats of Maharashtra state, India. The species is found near torrential hill streams in tropical moist evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, a habitat that is threatened by habitat loss and pollution.

Name is because of its cat-like call.