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.

Kindness Ranch: A New Beginning for Animals Used in Research

A few weeks ago, I was surfing the Web in search of information on yurts when I came across Kindness Ranch, the only rescue organization for animals who have been used in various forms of research.  In 2007, after years in the business world, Dr. David Groobman garnered enough funds to establish Kindness Ranch on 1000 acres in rural Wyoming.  The ranch is not only dedicated to the rescue of research animals, but to their rehabilitation and eventual adoption.  Animals who cannot be adopted due to compromised health live the remainder of their lives at one of the yurts on the ranch.  One can find several yurts (round domiciles) on the ranch, including guest yurts, a manager’s yurt, a dog yurt, and, of course, a cat yurt.

Yurts at Kindness Ranch. copyright 2011, Kindness Ranch

Patches, copyright 2011, Kindness Ranch

Currently, there are 12 cats living in the cat yurt on the ranch.  Most of the feline residents were used for research in the pet food or vaccine industries.  Luckily, many of the animals used in these forms of research can and do recover and are usually adoptable. There are such wonderful kitties waiting to be adopted: take Patches, for example.  Formerly used in vaccine studies, she is a wonderful tri-colored tabby who loves toys and loving hands!

Y2K, copyright 2011, Kindness Ranch

Then there is Y2K: a white cat with black spots and a black tail.  Y2K was used in pet food research, but is doing well at the ranch, loving attention and, apparently, the spotlight.

  There are many other kitties waiting to find their permanent, loving homes—a stark contrast to their former lives in laboratories.  Kindness Ranch is usually notified of potential rescuees, but continues to make contacts.  Currently, they would benefit greatly from monetary donations as new plans are in the works to expand the facilities so that at least 300 animals can be housed there, including rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.  This would involve the construction of more yurts and employment of more staff members.  Monetary donations also support the maintenance of the current residents at the ranch and make a brighter future possible for these precious creatures.  For more information, visit the Kindness Ranch Site at http://www.kindnessranch.org/.  You can make donations at  http://kindnessranch.org/donate.