The African Wildcat is a subspecies of the Wildcat (Felix silvestris) and is similar in size to domestic cats. In fact the African Wildcat is the ancestor of domestic cats.
NAME
The African Wildcat is also known as the Desert Cat, African Desert Cat or simply Wildcat. In Afrikaans (South Africa) vaalboskat means grey bush cat.
DISTRIBUTION
The African Wildcat is found in Africa and in the Middle East excluding the Sahara and rainforests.
IDENTIFICATION
The African Wildcat looks similar to a short-haired domestic tabby cat, but has reddish colouring on the back of the ears, over its abdomen and on the back of its hind legs.
UNIQUE BEHAVIOUR
Although African Wildcats are listed as common and widespread in Africa, their genetic integrity is threatened by interbreeding with domestic cats. It is becoming quite rare to come across a pure bred African Wildcat.
HISTORY
African Wildcats diverged from the other subspecies about 131,000 years ago. Some individuals were first domesticated about 10,000 years ago in the Middle East, which are the ancestors of the domestic cat. Remains of domesticated cats have been included in human burials as far back as 9,500 years ago in Cyprus.
AFRICAN WILDCAT
OVERVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
Ancestor of domestic cat
Reddish ears
Breeds with domestic cats
The 3 Subspecies of Wildcats
Felis silvestris lybica - African Wildcat
Felis silvestris silvestris - European Wildcat (or Forest wildcat)
Felis silvestris ornata - Asiatic Wildcat (Indian Desert cat or Asian Steppe cat)
