Fact About Baby African Wild Cats

The African wildcat is a predator that lives on the African plains. It is slightly larger and heavier than an average house cat, though their markings are similar. They are solitary animals and prefer to den in covered areas.

  1. Gestation

    • A baby African wildcat spends about two months in utero. Litters generally consist of two to four kittens.

    Birth and Early Development

    • Kittens are born blind and helpless, depending on the mother for milk, warmth and protection from predators. Their eyes open at about two weeks, though the kittens will not be ready to hunt for several months.

    Hunting Development

    • African wildcats prey on rodents, rabbits and birds, though the young of larger prey can also be taken. Mothers will begin taking the kittens on hunts after the kittens begin to show signs of readiness, usually at 2 to 3 months of age.

    Maturations

    • At 5 months of age, wildcats will leave the protection of the mother and establish a territory of their own. Females are not sexually mature until they reach 1 year, while males do not breed until they are at least 2. Both males and females establish and defend territory.

    Inbreeding

    • African wildcats have been known to interbreed with domestic cats to produce wildcat hybrids. This suggests that the two species are closely related. Domestic house cats are thought to have descended from African wildcats.