The African wild cat resembles a tabby except for its larger
size, longer legs, shorter tail and a distinct gait, as
well as a characteristic rufous colouring on the backs of
the ears. They are shy and mostly nocturnal. They are adept
tree-climbers, and mice and small birds are their favoured
prey.
They stalk their prey before pouncing, lick their fur into
shape, wash their face with their forepaws and sharpen their
claws on tree trunks. They also have similar vocalizations
to a domestic cat: they mew, purr, hiss and spit, but with
greater noise.
Litters of two to five, averaging three, are born during
summer from September to March, in the disused burrows of
other animals.
