The African wild cat (Felis silvestris spp.) is a small wild feline and the ancestor of today’s domestic cats. The Ancient Egyptians tamed African wild cats to control the rats and mice raiding their granaries. Solitary outside the breeding season, it is a rare sight on a Kruger National Park safari.
Name
African Wild Cat [Felis silvestris spp.] There are a number of sub species for the African wild Cat.
Introduction
African wild cats were domesticated by Ancient Egyptians about 6 000 years ago to control the population of rats and mice that were raiding their granaries. Today’s domesticated cats are descendants of the wild cats the Egyptians tamed. They are a rare sight when on a Kruger day safari but they are a wonder to see.
Diet
The African Wild Cats were tamed to catch and eat mice and rats so their main diet consists of mice and rats. When food does get scarce, The African wild cat will also feed on small birds and arthropods. Rabbits, hares and small antelope can also fall prey to the wild cat
Breeding
Mating Season for African Wild Cats are between July and January and the Gestation period lasts about 65 days. Young are born between the months of September and March and there are usually 3 in a litter.
Behaviour
Very little is known about the African Wild Cat as this is a smaller feline species that has not been studies as intensively. The only diference between the African WIld Cat and a domestic cat is the differently coloured ears and much longer legs. The closeness to the domestic cat is so intense that interbreeding can take place. From what can be derved, African Wild Cats are solitary animals outside of breeding season. Their scarceness makes them a treat to see while on a Kruger National Park safari
Location
Very very few areas have pure stock African Wild Cats, the other Wild Cats are likely bred with domesticated cats. One of the few places where you have a chance to see one is in the Kruger Park during a Kruger Park Safari.
Breeding
After a gestation period of about 2 months, anywhere from 1 to 6 young are born.
Spoor Description
The spoor of the African Wild Cat are very similar to that of the domestic cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is an African wild cat different from a domestic cat?
An African wild cat looks very like a domestic cat but has differently coloured ears and much longer legs, and its spoor is very similar to a domestic cat’s. The two are so closely related that they can interbreed.
What do African wild cats eat?
African wild cats mainly eat mice and rats. When food gets scarce they also feed on small birds and arthropods, and rabbits, hares and small antelope can also fall prey to them.
When do African wild cats breed?
African wild cats mate between July and January, and the gestation period lasts about 65 days. Young are born between September and March, usually three to a litter, though anywhere from one to six may be born.
Are African wild cats rare?
Yes — very few areas still have pure African wild cats, as most others have likely bred with domestic cats. The Kruger Park is one of the few places where there is a chance to see one, and sightings there are a rare treat.
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