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
Namings for the wild cat
A young / baby of a wild cat is called a 'kitten'. The females are called 'queen' and males 'tom '. A wild cat group is called a 'clowder, clutter, pounce, kindle (young), embarrassment (young),'.Countries
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Congo, Democratic Republic of the, Croatia, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Gambia, The, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, GuineaBissau, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Swaziland, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Western Sahara, Yemen, Zambia and ZimbabweWild cat habitats
Bogs, Marshes, Swamps, Fens, Peatlands, Desert, Dry savanna, Forest, Mediterranean-type Shrubby Vegetation, Savanna, Shrub Dominated Wetlands, Shrubland, Temperate Desert, Temperate forest and Wetlands (inland)Some facts about the
Wild cat
Adult weight : 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs)
Maximum longevity : 19 years
Female maturity :304 days
Male maturity : 304 days
Gestation : 64 days
Weaning : 87 days
Litter size : 4
Litters per year : 2
Interval between litters : 114 days
Weight at birth : 0.1 kg (0.22 lbs)
Weight at weaning : 0.643 kg (1.4146 lbs)
Links
Cat not eating - The domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) is basically the feral wild cat. This site covers their health issues, one particular good article is about when your cat is not eating, this may be caused by stress, or a conflict with another cat...Ailurophobia - the fear of cats - Can you believe some people have a natural fear of cats? I was amazed by this site.
