African wild cat

Overall description of the breed

The African wild cat, also known as the gloved cat or Cape wild cat, is a captivating and iconic cat species native to the African continent. Its history dates back thousands of years, when it lived in the wild in a variety of habitats, from desert regions to savannahs and dense forests.

The ancestors of the African wild cat are wild felines indigenous to the continent. They have evolved over time to adapt to a wide variety of environments, developing specific characteristics that enable them to thrive in diverse conditions.

The African wild cat is elegant and agile. It is medium-sized, with a slender, muscular body. Its head is triangular, with large pointed ears and piercing eyes, giving it an alert and inquisitive appearance. Its coat is short, dense and distinctively spotted, enabling it to camouflage effectively in its natural habitat.

In terms of character, the African wildcat is renowned for being a fierce and independent feline. It is a skilful and agile hunter, capable of climbing trees and pouncing on its prey with precision. Because of its predatory instincts, it is better suited to life in the wild than in the home. However, in captivity, some individuals can be more social and tolerant, and many professional breeders have chosen to develop this breed in their facilities out of a passion for this majestic feline. As a result, in many countries, possession of the African Wild Cat as a pet is strictly regulated.

The average weight of the African Wild Cat is between 3kg and 5kg (6.6lb to 11lb), with males generally being larger than females. In terms of size, they average between 40 cm and 50 cm (16 inches to 20 inches) in length, including the tail.

The African wild cat is not a widespread domestic breed and has official protected status. Because of its conservation status, it is rarely found in captivity outside certain conservation centres, capacity breeders or zoos. Deforestation, habitat loss, poaching and hunting have led to a decline in the population of these enigmatic felines in the wild.

As far as the breed standard is concerned, being a protected wild species, it is not recognised as a domestic breed by the major cat organisations. However, various conservation initiatives are in place to protect the African wild cat and preserve its essential role in the ecological balance of the African continent.

In conclusion, the African wild cat is an emblematic cat species, adapted to life in the varied environments of the African continent. Its history goes back thousands of years, when it was a skilled predator in diverse African habitats. Today, due to habitat degradation and hunting, it is threatened and protected as a wild species. Its majestic beauty and essential role in the African ecosystem make it a symbol of the continent's rich biodiversity.