The idea of keeping a wild cat as a pet appeals to many people. However, it's crucial to understand the realities and responsibilities involved. While domestic cats are descended from the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica), there are significant differences between the two.
An African Wildcat in its natural habitat.
The Ancestry of Domestic Cats
Pet cats are descendants of the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica). The African wildcat is regarded as the ancestor of our indoor cats. Evidence of domesticated cats dates back to 7,500 B.C. The first “indoor cats” were likely semi-domesticated African wildcats in ancient Egypt. With the Romans, the African wildcat and its domesticated kin reached Europe around 2,000 years ago and quickly spread.
Why Not a Wildcat?
With the exception of the African wild cat, the forerunner of the modern housecat which took 4,000 years to adapt to living with humans, all other wild cats have not been domesticated. There is a reason why wild cats are not generally kept as pets.
Tame vs. Domesticated
There is a difference between tame and domesticated. Tame is a learned behavior, but the default is wild. Domesticated is apparently genetics based. The evidence for the genetic source of domestication was apparent in an experiment done by Russians to domesticate foxes.
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Physical Characteristics of African Wildcats
African wildcats (Felis lybica) are extremely unique in their appearance. They have a body length of 18.1-26.2 in (46-66.5 cm) and they have a thin tapering tail which is 15.7 in (40 cm) long. The African wildcat (Felis lybica) is a wild cat that typically has longer legs than a domestic cat. However, it moves around on longer legs, giving it entirely different proportions and a movement reminiscent of cheetahs.
The African wildcat sports rather subdued colouring. Shades of red, yellowish-brown, grey, and sandy-yellow dominate; there’s often some striping or “boots”. Distinctive features include reddish-orange patches on the backs of the ears and on the muzzle, a dark stripe along the spine, and black pads on the paws. With these fur colours, the wildcat blends into its habitat, the African savannah or desert.
Behavior and Temperament
African wildcats (like domestic cats) are generally solitary, they communicate only while mating, and in times of danger females signal fear with ears that are flattened and pointed out slightly. Wild African wildcats live alone. They are solitary and carve out territories for themselves, going on nocturnal hunts within these boundaries. When food is abundant, territories can be smaller. The wildcats reach sexual maturity at about one year of age. From then on, they produce a significant number of kittens about once a year. After the kittens become independent, they sometimes remain as a larger group with their mother.
The African wildcat, like many wildcats, tends to be wary of humans. Generally, their wariness does not reach the extreme levels of their European cousins. With adequate acclimatisation, the African wildcat will even tolerate increased proximity to humans.
Diet and Hunting
The African wildcat’s diet primarily consists of small rodents in all its territories, including mice, hares, hamsters, and small rabbits. Meals are often complemented by spiders, scorpions, and snakes. The wildcat also enjoys fish. These wildcats excel as hunters, stalking their prey, creeping up on it, and then launching a rapid sprint to make the kill. They usually stay on the ground, though they are also adept climbers.
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Does your indoor cat drink little? It inherits this from the African wildcat: desert dwellers rarely encounter a watering hole and, therefore, almost entirely satisfy their thirst through their prey. This genetic legacy is also why, according to many experts, you should not feed your cat exclusively on dry food.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Exotic animals are just that - exotic, attractive, ‘cool’, unusual. They are fascinating and beautiful. Yet their physical beauty can not be separated from their essential nature. They are appealing because of their wildness. When such an animal is raised in captivity that wonderful characteristic is sadly diminished: the instincts are still there, but not the skills to survive in the wild. Few people are aware of the extraordinary damage which has been done to wildlife by the pet trade.
In many states exotic cats can be obtained through private breeders and dealers. In others the private ownership of cats is strictly regulated and is illegal without a license. As an example, residents of California must have two years of full-time experience working with wild cats at a licensed facility before they can apply for a license of their own. If an unlicensed person is caught with an exotic cat it will be confiscated by the State Fish and Game Department.
It also essential to check for your local regulations when it comes to owning this unique species.
Challenges of Keeping a Wildcat as a Pet
Keeping an African wildcat pet is not a simple task, although they can be domesticated they cannot be devoid of their instinct to hunt and move about independently. One feature of wild cats, which comes as no surprise to domestic cat owners, is how ‘picky’ they are in their friendships. There is something in the beauty of wild cats which makes us forget our commonsense. People who would not approach and caress a strange dog are eager to extend their hand to a wild cat. The desire to touch is overwhelming.
Read also: Learn About African Milk Trees
Unless you have a vocation, which you should pursue in a professional facility, aspiring wild animal owners should consider the possible consequences of what they are getting into.
Personal Experiences
One person shared their experience of raising a wildcat kitten named Tiggru. The kitten was found at about 4 weeks old and, despite initial challenges, grew into a loving animal. However, Tiggru remained wary of strangers and retained strong hunting instincts. This experience highlights the potential difficulties and responsibilities involved in keeping a wildcat.
Another person mentioned having a Scottish wildcat as a pet, describing it as a "sweet boy" who sleeps with them, plays, and is house trained. However, they also noted the high cost of care and the difficulty in finding a vet who would treat the cat.
The Ethics of Exotic Animals in Captivity
Conclusion
While the idea of having an African wildcat as a pet may be appealing, it is crucial to consider the legal, ethical, and practical challenges. These animals are not fully domesticated and retain their wild instincts. Potential owners must be prepared to provide specialized care, meet legal requirements, and ensure the safety of both the animal and the people around it.
Other wild cat species, like the Black Footed Cat, are even less suited to domestication.
