Wildcats
Scientific Name: Felis silvesris
Habitat
Wildcats are wild cats that are native to western Asia, Europe, and Africa. They live in forests and plains/farmlands in Asia and Europe and on the plains in Africa. In Europe and Asia they live with animals like birds, lizards, reptiles, amphibians, tigers, and bears. In Africa they live alongside animals like zebras, elephants, giraffes, lions, hippos, crocodiles, rhinos, and African golden cats.
Diet
Wildcats eat a range of things from birds to lizards. They'll even eat bugs if they have to! They eat amphibians, birds, fish, reptiles, small rodents, rabbits, and hares. They hunt using their cat-like reflexes (ha ha, they're cats!) and sharp teeth and claws. Since they're small cats, they hunt small prey.
Description
Wildcats are domestic cat-sized cats that live in the wild, hence the name "wildcat". Their coats are furry and thick to keep them warm. Their coats are your regular brown color, with black stripes when in Europe or Asia. Oddly enough, African wildcats are a lighter brown color. They have ears like any domestic cat would and eyes with slits. They live alone, and hunt using sharp claws and teeth. They are excellent hunters and pounce at utmost silence. There is also a domestic version of the wildcat, though they aren't exactly common.
Types
There are no different species or types but there are a lot of different sub species. Like most animals, many of the sub species are just different because of their scientific names. However, there are a few that have different names. Here they are: African wildcat, Indian Desert wildcat, Chinese Mountain wildcat, Scottish wildcat, Caucasian wildcat, Balearic wildcat, Corsican wildcat, and European wildcat. So many sub species! Also (as said in the panel above), the African wildcat is a bit different since it's coat is a lighter brown.
Fun Facts
- Wildcats will breed only once a year.
- The name "wildcat" has no space because if it were spelled "wild cat" then it would refer to all of the cats in the world that are not domestic such as tigers, lions, and cheetahs.
- The sounds of a wildcat are deeper and harsher than a regular domestic cat's.
- Wildcats are nocturnal, unlike most wild cats.
- Wildcats are actually really shy. They only communicate with their cubs; they're even hostile and shy towards other wildcats.