What is the African cat like?

El african cat It is an animal very similar to the domestic one; in fact, if it weren't for the fact that he's so elusive and scary, he could easily pass for one of our furry ones. But this has its reason for being: the species to which it belongs, Bos lybica, is one of the varieties from which the furry people who live at home come (Patas).

This means that yes, the cat that lives wild in Africa is one of the ancestors of the feline that shares the sofa with humans. But, what are their characteristics?

Origin and characteristics

The African wild cat or desert cat, is one of the first species of cat that was domesticated, something that happened in Ancient Egypt, about 4000 years ago. It inhabits the savannas, steppes, forests, etc. from Africa and the Middle East.

Its body is between 45 and 75cm long, and its tail between 20 and 38cm. Its body is muscular but agile, and it is protected by a layer of hair between sandy and yellow-gray. Weighs between 3 and 6,5kg.

Lifestyle

It is a nocturnal predatory animal, which feeds mainly on rodents, and on birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects when it does not find anything else. Like all cats, it approaches its prey trying to go unnoticed, and when it has it a meter away it attacks it.

During the day it stays hidden in the bushes, and if it feels threatened, it will bristle its hair to make it appear larger.

Reproduction

At the time when the cats are in heat, the cats go in search of them to mate, something they can do several times during dusk and dawn. Once they get pregnant, they will give birth to between 3 and 7 puppies after 56 to 69 days. Kittens are born blind and deaf, and will remain with their mother until at least six-half-years of age.

At the end of the year, they will be fertile and will be able to have their own offspring.

We hope you have learned a lot about the African cat 🙂.