African Wild Cats (Felis lybica) are small, fierce cats that live in forests, grasslands, and brush lands in Africa and the Middle East. African Wild Cats are generally nocturnal (most active at night) in warm weather but are diurnal (most active during the day) during very cold weather. They are excellent climbers. African Wild Cats have a life span of 12-15 years. They are about 50 percent larger than domesticated (tame) cats.
Anatomy: The African Wild Cat has powerful jaws and long, pointed canine teeth. It has sharp, retractable claws, big ears, a long tail, and a striped coat that ranges from yellowish gray to light tan, with a white throat and underbelly. The eyes have round pupils. These graceful cats are from 20 to 30 inches (50-75 cm) long (plus a tail that is half as long as the body). They weigh from 10 to 25 pounds (4.5-11 kg).
Diet: African Wild Cats are carnivores (meat-eaters). These fast, solitary hunters eat small to medium-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, invertebrates, and eggs.