African Golden Cat
Scientific Name: Profelis aurata
Habitat
African Golden Cats, hence their name, live in Africa. They usually live in dense forests, where their prey is plentiful, but they do flourish in places that have been devastated by logging, since the other bushes and such besides the trees supply these little cats sufficient camouflage. The prefer to live by streams where water is abundant, and where they always know how to get back to the savannahs.
Diet
African Golden Cats usually eat what they can find that they can fit in their mouths. Like most wild cats, they aren't very picky eaters. However, they are carnivores, meaning that they mainly eat meat. Some of the usuals are small rodents, red duikers, and small antelopes. However, sometimes they'll eat monkeys, and even birds! Because of their extensive camouflage, they are very good hunters and actually pluck the feathers from birds before they eat them!!!
Description
African Golden Cats are stocky little cats, with shorter legs that are adapted to hunting in areas with many trees.. Their coats have either a solid color or some spots. They also have white spots above their eyes with lighter colored throats and dark ears. Their tails are the same color as their bodies, which are usually bright orange but can range to a rusty red, but have a white bottom of the tip and a black stripe. Also, the top of the tip is black.
Types
There aren't actually different types of African Golden Cats. There;'s just the one and only, making the species more recognizable in a way! :)
Fun Facts
- Leopards actually prey on African Golden Cats!
- Some African Golden Cats hunt up in trees
- Some names for adult groups of African Golden Cats are a pounce, clutter, or clowder. Some names for groups of young African Golden Cats are an embarrassment or a kindle.
- African Golden Cats share the common names for genders that household cats do. Females are called queens, while males are called toms. Also, babies are called kittens.
- African Golden Cats are actually closely related to the Caracal and Serval wild cat species.