The African Wildcat is the most widespread of the species in the genus Felis - besides the domestic cat. She differs from the European form by a sleeker built with less distinct tabby markings. Due to the large geographic area this species inhabits, Wildcat appearance varies depending on location. In general, the coat thickens and the coloration and tabby markings become more intense, from north to south. Typical background colours vary from a reddish to sandy yellow to a tawny brown and grey, marked with more or less intense tabby stripes and dots.
All black individuals occur occasionally.
In her size, the African Wildcat is indifferent to the domestic cat, and an African Wildcat is very difficult to distinguish from a domestic tabby in the field. Her habitat stretches throughout the entire continent of Africa and into the Middle East. However, the African Wildcat does not appear to inhabit the continent s tropical rain forests, and populates the dessert areas only thinly. Population density depends foremost on prey availability. Throughout her habitat, rodents appear to be her major prey, but a variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians are also taken, if the opportunity arises.