Wildcats are somewhat larger and more robust than their cousins, the domestic cat. Tabby-like lines mark their faces and vertical stripes extend from their backs to bellies. Fur color varies from a grayish tan to iron or silver, depending on the habitat wildcats occupy.
Females generally have paler markings than males.
Their black-striped tails are bushy with rounded ends. Distinguished from the large cats, small cats such as wildcats cannot roar because of an ossified bone in the vocal apparatus. They possess a hairless strip along the front of the nose. Small cats rest with their forepaws tucked beneath their body and the tail wrapped round them. Big cats rest with their paws in front and tails extended straight behind.