Felis – Small cats
The domestic cat, the only domesticated member in the family, originates from this genus and has many wild relatives
A genus of small and medium-sized cats found all over Africa, Asia, and South Europe. The domestic cat that we all know and love belongs to this genus.
They are solitary and territorial animals. Most are nocturnal, often resting in burrows, hollows of fallen trees, or abandoned termite mounds and burrows of other animals during the day. They come out when it is dark and travel long distances searching for prey.
They are carnivores and feed on rodents, hares, reptiles, frogs, birds, insects, and livestock. Some species are adapted to deriving all their water from their prey.
They are either polygynous (one male mates with many females during a breeding season) or polygynandrous (males and females both mate with multiple partners), depending on the species. The litter size varies greatly depending on the species, between 1-7 kittens. The kittens mature quickly and become independent within the first year.
Species in this genus
Black-footed cat
When it comes to hunting skills, this cat proves that good things come in small packages
Chinese mountain cat
This little fluff ball is a skilled hunter with a big attitude
European wildcat
The ancestors of domestic cats are widespread in Europe, western Asia, and Africa
Jungle cat
One of the cats that were mummified and put into tombs in ancient Egypt as Egyptians worshipped a cat goddess
Pallas’s cat
‘Grumpiest cat on earth’ is well camouflaged, widespread, and adapted to cold climate
Sand cat
During mating, they use bark-like vocalizations as a mating call that sounds like chihuahuas
Domestic cat
Regardless of their breed, all 73 recognized kitties’ breeds are of one single species
