Wild cat pictures and facts

Wildcats (Felis silvestris) are found throughout Europe, Southwestern Asia and in the savannahs of Africa. Domestic cats are thought to be descended from a subspecies of the Wildcat, the African wild cat (Felis silvestris lybica). Wildcats have camouflaged, grey-brown striped fur with bushy tails. Their fur is sof and short. They have five toes on their forefeet and four on their hind feed and their nails are retractable.

Interesting fact: In contrast to the domestic cat, wild cats will breed only once a year, the period depending on the local climate. The domestic cat, unhindered by local climate or nutrition can breed as much as 3 times a year.

Image of the wildcat by Martin Steiger, licensed under GFDL

The Wild cat, wildcat is listed as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

1. European wildcat, catamountain, Felis silvestris -- (bushy-tailed European wildcat resembling the domestic tabby and regarded as the ancestor of the domestic cat)
European wildcat
catamountain
Felis silvestris
(Source WordNet)

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