Ancestor of the Domestic Cat

Distribution of Felis sylvestris lybicus. 
 copyright, 2011, International Society for Endangered Cats.

Our familiar family cat, Felis sylvestris catus, is a member of the family Felidae to which all extant cats belong.  Recent genetic studies of wild Felis sylvestris subspecies and 979 domestic cats indicate that domestic cats originate from the Middle East, from a region commonly referred to as the “Fertile Crescent.” Specifically, genetic profiles of Felis sylvestris lybicus samples from Israel, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia were virtually identical to that of domestic cats, including pure breeds and hybrids from the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Japan.  Felis sylvestris lybicus (F.s. lybicus) is the African wildcat, also referred to as the Near East wildcat.  

Traits of F.s. lybicus

·         About 1.96 ft or 23.6 inches long, excluding tail.

·         Tail length is about 1.15 feet, or 13.8 inches; tail is ringed and has a black tip.

·         Longitudinal stripe on ridge of back and transverse lines on body, similar to a tabby, with a “rufous line” on back.  The tabby markings on our domesticated cats are considered the wildtype pattern and are the most common markings.

·         Color varies with habitat, but sandy fawn is the most common color.

·         Adept at adjusting to varying surroundings; hence, it is adventurous enough to wander onto human territory, a trait necessary for domestication.

Felis sylvestris lybicus (source: Wikipedia)

My cat Frankie with the wildtype tabby markings.

General Wildcat Traits

·         Defends a single territory for life, especially from cats of the same sex.  The only exception is the lion, which lives in prides or groups.

·         Solitary hunters.

·         Obligate Carnivores.

·         Eats prey, and rarely eats carrion.


Please see the Bibliography page for a list of sources used for this site.