These reddish cats survive off small mammals and rodents but have been known to tackle larger prey such as young antelope. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. If you know you’d love to welcome a black cat into your home but are unsure what breed to look at, we’ve rounded up 21 different types of stunning black cat breeds to tempt you! Also known as the “small-spotted cat”, the black-footed cat is the smallest of all of the African cat species and is endemic to the southwestern areas of Southern Africa. There is a host of wonderful African names for cats available from contemporary names, to those derived from mythology and history. Breed Traits. They all have: Additionally, all cats are carnivores and, excluding lions who hunt in groups, are all solitary predators that stalk or ambush their prey. Most females will give birth to only two kittens during each breeding period. When you give your cat a name with meaning, it brings you that much closer to your feline companion. This cat breed is widely considered to be the most dog-like in terms of loyalty. Mau is the Egyptian name for cat. Alternative Names: Grey Tiger, Common Mackerel Tabby. These oversized felines were created by crossing a domestic Siamese cat with a wild African cat called the Serval, which is why they have markings that are reminiscent of wild cats. The 20 best malaria-free safari destinations, The 6 greatest animal migrations in Africa. [207] [208] Both pedigreed and non- purebred companion ("moggy") cats are admissible, although … It is listed as ‘least concern’ on the IUCN Red List. Lion – The lion is perhaps the most iconic of all the large African cat breeds. Secretive yet highly adaptable, the exquisite aesthetic and graceful power of leopards make them a firm favourite for safari-goers. Tabby Cat. Best places to see cheetahs: Etosha National Park, Namibia, Kruger National Park, South Africa, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. A breed standard was established by cat fanciers in the 1990s and the cats are still relatively rare today. The Sokoke is a medium sized domestic cat breed that looks like an ocelot. The Savannah cat is the largest of the cat breeds.A Savannah cat is a cross between a domestic cat and a serval, a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat.The unusual cross became popular among breeders at the end of the 1990s, and in 2001 The International Cat Association (TICA) accepted it as a new registered breed. Slightly shorter and stockier looking than the sympatric serval, there is something particularly regal about the caracal. The coats are predominantly shades of tan or orange with black or dark brown markings. We have used the broader meaning of “big cats” for the List of Big Catsbelow. Africa is actually home to ten unique species of wild cats that can be found right across the continent – in habitats ranging from savannas and jungles to wetlands and deserts. The Savannah cat is a hybrid cat breed between a domestic cat and a Serval, an African wildcat. Lion – The lion is perhaps the most iconic of all the large African cat breeds. your own Pins on Pinterest Why don't pedigreed cats show the same extremes in body size and shape as dog breeds do? Range & Habitat: Leopards live in more places than any other big cat, and are comfortable in almost any habitat, including deserts, rainforests, woodland, grassland savanna, mountain, scrub, and swamps. While it is believed to be locally common in certain parts of Gabon and Uganda, this attractive cat is threatened by increasing habitat loss due to deforestation, as well as bushmeat hunting. From the genes that were provided from this ancestor, all other mutations have risen. Russian Blue Photo by Sergey Okhrymenko from Pexels. Sand cats are classified as ‘least concern’ on the IUCN Red List. The Caracal is an elegant cat with short reddish-brown fur on the back and sides. They are vulnerable to hyenas and wild dogs. While Savannah Cats love to spend time with their owners, it has to be on their terms! They are expert jumpers and regularly grab birds up to 3m in the air. A savannah cat is a cross between a domestic cat and a serval a medium sized large eared wild african cat. It is rare in North Africa and the Sahel, but widespread in sub-Saharan countries except rain-forest regions. The striking Savannah Cat is a hybrid of a domestic cat and a wild African Serval. Breed Description: It is a medium sized domestic cat having small and round ears with a well defined muzzle. It is characterized by being an independent and hunting variety, with a calm character, but at the same time territorial. Know the differences between a leopard and a jaguar? Once impregnated, the gestation period lasts just over two months. When and where to go in Africa, and with whom. Phylum : Chordata 3. With its body shape and excellent hearing, the serval is well equipped for hunting, ambushing prey at night with pounces of up to 3.5 meters to stun and kill. The Bengal originated in the United States when a researcher crossed domestic cats with hybrids—the hybrids themselves being the result of breeding African leopard cats with domestic cats. 2-African wild cat. Read more about cheetahs. This shy and secretive cat is endemic to the rainforests of West, and Central Africa and researchers are working hard to supplement the scant information available on its behaviour, distribution and ecology. They are characterized by their flat, wide head and short legs, and stand 0.35 meters tall, weighing in at 3.5 kg. See also: Dogs get their own menu - which includes ice cream - at this Cape Town restaurant Much like its wild ancestor the savannah is a tall lean cat with long legs big ears and a long neck. A few weeks too early / late or a few kilometers off course and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. Also known as the “swamp” or “reed” cat, this small felid is widespread throughout much of the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia but in Africa is found only in wetter regions of Egypt (mainly along the Nile Delta). This wild cat native to africa. A cat show is a judged event in which the owners of cats compete to win titles in various cat-registering organizations by entering their cats to be judged after a breed standard. Their size allows them to successfully hunt mammals as large as antelopes, duikers, and young giant forest hog, as well as smaller prey such as rodents, birds, and small monkeys. However, due to fertility problems among male Safari cats, the breed was extremely difficult to develop. Panther – Panthera is a classification that includes the following species: lion, tiger, jaguar and leopard. They are friendly and self-assured and will happily interact with humans of all ages, as well as other cats and pets. A relatively new breed that was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 2012, the Savannah is known for his unusual appearance. A cross between a house cat and an African Serval, Savannahs are typically tall and lean with distinct dark spots and pointed ears. It weighs up to 7 kilos and has short ash-yellow or gray fur, with dark stripes from the back to the tail. Though considered to be of least concern in terms of conservation status, these cats are secretive and hard to find. They are medium-sized cats, with an average floor-to … Most cats from this species are white with color on their heads and tails. Leopards are classified as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List. This exotic cat breed has been accepted by the International Cat Association (TICA), as of 2002, and is a popular alternative to "ordinary" domesticated cats. You can find a combined list of big cats and small wild ca… Accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA) as a championship breed in 2012, the Savannah is the largest cat breed, but they’re not entirely domestic. He adds that the shrinking number of cats on the show bench, down from 500 fifteen years ago to an average of just over 100 today, has mainly affected the rarer breeds. Hunting for bushmeat and habitat loss and damage threatens the populations of this cat. They thrive in moist climates and are most often found in the wetter portions of Africa. A complete listing of all the breed registries we have contacted for information is available in the alphabetical listings. Many of these breeds can be seen in other coat colors , but cats with a black coat are both eye-catching and possibly also healthier than other colors . They also face the same threats – habitat loss, deforestation, bushmeat poaching and indiscriminate snares are sweeping threats to wildlife regardless of size. Savannah Cats are created by breeding a Serval (also known as an African Wild Cat) with a domestic cat … Best places to see leopards: Londolozi Game Reserve, South Africa, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana, Samburu National Reserve, Kenya, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. If you can provide us with a breed registry or other contact we will try to obtain information on the breed. This wetland dwelling cat prefers dense ground cover and hunts small rodents and birds. Weighing up to a whopping 550 pounds, the lion is found throughout Africa and is quite recognizable. This wild cat native to Africa. Weighing up to a whopping 550 pounds, the lion is found throughout Africa and is quite recognizable. Celebrate Africa and do good. The breed as we know it began with cat breeder Jean Mill, who crossed ALCs with domestic cats in 1963. It’s the only African wild cat that’s a rainforest animal, living in the tropical forests of West and Central Africa. Tailored safari specialists. They love climbing, playing fetch, taking on-leash walks, and even splashing in the water. Class : Actinopterygii 4. This is the most expensive and rare cat breed in the world! Chausie Cat: The Chausie cat resembles a wild jungle cat in both coat and size. Best places to see Lion: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa, Kruger National Park, South Africa, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, Okavango Delta, Botswana. 1. Solitary and nocturnal, these remarkable survivors can devour 3,000 rodents a year. It contains only those breeds for which we currently have information available. It is a mix of a domestic cat, African Serval, and the Asian Leopard cat. A Serval is an exotic cat that is native to South Africa and commonly referred to as a "tiger bush cat." Also known as the “small-spotted cat”, the black-footed cat is the smallest of all of the African cat species and is endemic to the southwestern areas of Southern Africa. This breed of cat resembles a Tiger in appearance. Breed Description: Can a cat not have a tail? Exotic pets are a hugely diverse group of animals that range from betta fish to Bengal tigers. The Caracal has distinctive long black ears with white at the ear base, and long tufts of black fur at the tips. And that’s the complete list of African wild cats. In 2014, the IUCN assessed their population as ranging from between 23,000 to 39,000 individuals but more recent assessments from Panthera and other conservation organisations now suggest that there may be less than 20,000 wild lions in Africa. Genus : Clarias 7. Breeders or a vet can advise you what to feed your kitten on to get it off to a healthy start. These cats make wonderful family pets because they can get along with just about everyone. admin 2020-12-08. tiger. A hunting serval that has detected the sounds of rodents or other available prey remains motionless before launching upwards to heights of more than 2m and covering distances of over 3.5m. Smaller than a big cat and larger than the small cat come the appropriately-named medium cats. The African wildcat is native to Africa, the Middle East and parts of Southern Asia and China, and thought to be the ancestor of our domestic cats, first domesticated in Egypt around 10,00 years ago. This makes the South African Mastiff as one of the world’s most powerful canine breeds. Safari company Diet: Leopards are opportunistic carnivores and hunt a wide range of prey such as jackal, antelope, gazelle, monkeys, duiker, eland, impala, wildebeest, and more. This breed can suffer from a heart condition, but they are still considered a healthy breed overall. your own Pins on Pinterest This is why Safari cats are so rare nowadays. The African wildcat’s fur is light sandy grey, with white fur on the belly and on the throat, and slightly tufted ears. Average Lifespan: 10- 15 years . There is a host of wonderful African names for cats available from contemporary names, to those derived from mythology and history. To put that into perspective, a lion has a bite force of about 650 PSI. They also love being around humans. If a predator is too close they will flee in long leaps, changing direction frequently and with their tail raised. The black-footed cat is the smallest wild cat in Africa and one of the smallest wildcats in the world, weighing 2 kg and standing 0.25 meters tall. Average Lifespan: 18 – 20 years #18 Manx Cat, “The Tailless Watch Cat”. They are nocturnal animals, with excellent hearing, allowing them to locate prey to including small mammals, birds, and lizards. The slender, long-legged serval is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa outside of rainforest regions and rare in North Africa. The serval is the only member of its genus and bears only a passing resemblance to a cheetah, despite regularly being mistaken for one thanks to their spotted coat and similar colouration. Bos indicus (or Bos taurus indicus) cattle, commonly called zebu, are adapted to hot climates and originated in the tropical parts of the world such as India, Sub-saharan Africa, China, and Southeast Asia. They are far smaller than cheetahs – weighing at most 18kg (large cheetah have been recorded weighing over 70kg). We publish inspiring and thought-provoking stories and photo galleries about African wildlife and safaris for our sophisticated international community. African golden cat (Profelis aurata) The only forest-dependent wild cat in Africa, the elusive golden cat is largely unstudied and wasn't even caught on camera until 2002. The coat pattern helps the cats disguise themselves when hunting in tall grasses. Panther – Panthera is a classification that includes the following species: lion, tiger, jaguar and leopard. They prefer dense, moist habitats with heavy undergrowth, but can also be found in cloud and bamboo forests and moorlands. Ancestor of the Savannah Cat is the African Serval Cat which has been actively breed in captivity since the 1920's. What do you think – any wild cats that surprise you? Search for your ideal safari here, or contact an Africa Geographic safari consultant to plan your dream vacation. Download Pdf - Lists of African Cats. The Savannah cat first emerged in the 1980s from a cross between a domestic cat and an African serval (Leptailurus serval).This makes them a hybrid cat, and they are often considered a domestic breed being accepted as such by the TICA, for example. Some people keep serval cats as exotic pets. Interestingly, its ear canal is about twice the size of a domestic cat’s and its hearing is roughly five times more acute. While we’ve covered cats coming from Thailand, here we’re going to take a look at cat breeds … Camera trap footage has been essential is capturing snippets of information about the golden cat, such as this footage of one hunting red colobus monkeys in Uganda. The savannah was named after the habitat of the serval and its beauty echoes the lush splendor of those golden plains in Africa. Back to Top The savannah cat is a hybrid cross between an African serval and a domestic cat. Genetic analysis shows that it is closely related to the caracal and the two species do share a similar look, though the golden cat lacks the characteristic black ear tufts. Servals are poly-estrous, which means they are able to breed several times a year. The sand cat is the only wild cat in Africa – or the indeed world – that lives solely in desert environments, with a wide distribution across some of the world’s largest deserts such as the Sahara, the Gobi and the Arabian deserts. For these reasons, the black-footed cat is listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List. Otherwise a good website about Africa! 3. Most of these are small, secretive and seldom seen, even by the researchers attempting to learn more about their behaviour and ecology. Serengeti Breed History The first Serengeti cat was bred by Karen Sausman, who owns the Kingsmark Cattery in California. Due to human population taking over their habitats, the number of Servals in existence has dwindled. These oversized felines were created by crossing a domestic Siamese cat with a wild African cat called the Serval, which is why they have markings that are reminiscent of wild cats. These tiny cats weigh less than 2kg on average but are reputed to be the most successful hunters of all the cat species. It’s the only African wild cat that’s a rainforest animal, living in the tropical forests of West and Central Africa. Savannah cats were created by crossing your average house cat with the African Serval. They have been around for the longest time and have not seen any big transformation in the last 3,000 years. Subscribe to enjoy more stories like this – join our tribe. And wouldn’t that be a pity? Click here to receive our stories and photo galleries via email. But Enough chit-chat. These are smart, active cats that always want to be on the move. Cats in South Africa . When a female goes into heat, she is only fertile for up to four days. Discover (and save!) Let us know in the comments section below! The ancestor of the domestic cat, these cats are often mistaken for their domestic cousins, though they can be distinguished (occasionally with difficulty) by their slightly longer, banded legs and reddish ear colouration. The African golden cat is an elusive cat that’s a close relative of the caracal and the serval. The serval is a slender, graceful cat found on the open grasslands of southern Africa. It looks so wild and rough that most people call it the “house leopard.” Just like its wild ancestors, the Ashera has huge ears, a slim and muscular build, and a long tail. At first, the breed was called "Criollo", and later on "Appaloosa." If you don’t satisfy your Sphynx’s need for company and comfort, this cat will pester you until she gets want she wants. Registered veterinary nurses can seek to become Practice Standards Scheme assessors just like their vet surgeon counterparts after the RCVS approved the move … This conservation biologist wanted to create a new domestic cat breed that would appear much like the gorgeous African Serval, which is a wild cat. Speed: With a maximum speed of 92 kilometers per hour, the cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world. It’s estimated that these cats can kill and eat up to 3,000 rodents a year, and are a well-adapted desert animal, able to obtain all the moisture they need from their food. In fact, the Chausie gets its name from the Jungle Cat from which it is descended: the Felis Chaus. Named for the colour of their fur, they are powerful, sturdy animals are about twice the size of a domestic cat. They prefer dense, moist habitats with heavy undergrowth, but can also be found in cloud and bamboo forests and moorlands. Origin: Judy Sugden is credited to have developed this breed of cats. The African wildcat has only recently been recognised as being a distinct species – it was initially considered a subspecies of Felis silvestris (European wildcat), but the recent revision by the Cat Classification Task Force may see it shift from its current IUCN Red List conservation status of ‘least concern’. This hairless cat is in our list of the most aggressive cat breeds because she demands attention. We're the Africa Geographic editorial team – a diverse set of writers, editors, designers and social media natives, all united by our passion for this addictive continent. Accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA) as a championship breed in 2012, the Savannah is the largest cat breed, but they’re not entirely domestic. Hi Mandy, the image does link through to the store, though I’ve added a text link now too to make it clearer. Along with their outgoing behavior, the Serengeti cat breed is also very affectionate and loving toward their families and their owners all the same. Cats can live for 20 years, so think carefully before buying that cute kitten! A Savannah cat is a cross between a domestic cat and a serval, a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat. Birman. Scientific Name : Clarias gariepinus While it is difficult for researchers to estimate the number of black-footed cats in the wild, they believe that there are less than 10,000 mature individuals and that the population is declining. Poster of all 10 wild cats of Africa – find on Etsy. Discover (and save!) Bespoke safaris and stories. The term “big cats” is often used to describe the four largest wild cats: lions, tigers, leopards and jaguars – the only wild cats that roar. They can be overly protective of their masters. If you’re looking for large fluffy cats to pet all day long, you don’t need to look much further than the adorable Maine Coon. Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. The African subspecies F. m. margarita is slightly smaller and more yellow than the Asian subspecies. I see you have not linked to his shop nor website nor credited him. Despite their differences, all African wild cats – and indeed all cats around the world – share a number of common characteristics. Oct 1, 2017 - This Pin was discovered by Astrid ****. This cat breed is revered in Turkey for its looks, tradition, and fur, which is soft as cashmere. Africa is actually home to ten unique species of wild cats that can be found right across the continent – in habitats ranging from savannas and jungles to wetlands and deserts.. Let’s see these cute giant cat breeds. It’s characterised by a small head, large ears, longer legs, a beautiful golden coat with black stripes and spots, and a short, black-tipped tail. Cheetah hunt mainly during the day to reduce competition with the nocturnal predators, hence the characteristic “tear marks” that run from the corners of the eyes to the mouth which help to reduce the glare from the sun. The Birman, also called the “Sacred Cat of Burma”, is a domestic cat breed. Leopards are one of the few big game species found outside national parks. How to Prevent and Get Rid of Mats in Your Cat’s Fur View Story #1 Maine Coon. This tiny desert-dwelling cat is well adapted to handle the extremes of its desert habitat, both in terms of a lack of water as well as the temperature fluctuations. Due to their secretive, solitary nature, there are no accurate estimates of how many leopards there are left in the wild. Range & Habitat: Cheetahs are found in Eastern and Southern Africa (though are also found in Iran and Afghanistan), generally confined to very small, fragmented habitats of savannah, dry and scrub forests, and grasslands. This breed is one of the largest of all domestic cat breeds, and it takes a generation or two of the hybrids for them to be considered suitable house pets.Photo by AussieGold via Flickr. Speed: At a maximum speed of 80 kilometers per hour, the lion is the second fastest land animal in Africa. These tiny cats weigh less than 2kg on average but are reputed to be the most successful hunters of all the cat species. Fleet-of-foot yet slight and retiring, the cheetah is something of an odd one out. For a list of small wild cats, click here. OSU's Breeds of Livestock - African Breeds Livestock Breeds Originating from Africa We fully realize that this list is not complete. The jungle cat (also known as a reed cat or swamp cat) is found across the Middle East, Asia, and southern China, and makes it into this list of African wild cats due to its occurrence in parts of Egypt. They are found across sub-Saharan Africa, and also in a small part of north-east India. The first filial generation (F1) is too wild to own as a pet. Learn more about leopards. Also known as the “small-spotted cat”, the black-footed cat is the smallest of all of the African cat species and is endemic to the southwestern areas of Southern Africa. For the most part, the big cats of Africa need no introduction, but it is not necessarily common knowledge that seven other cat species call Africa home. The Ideal Safaris In Africa; Maine Coon Cats – Big, Longhaired And Beautiful; What Will Make Zambia Safari Exceptional? Many cat owners and lovers find this breed of cat extremely appealing for its spotted coat (as they tend to resemble that of some African wild cats) as well as its diverse personality and behavior. Cats are also not spared by the effects of fashion. The African golden cat is an elusive cat that’s a close relative of the caracal and the serval. Africa’s smallest wild cats are to be found in the grassy plains and deserts of South Africa. We go from discussing small cat breeds to large cat breeds, hairless cats to the most popular cat breeds. Small Wild Cats as Pets. So here is the list of the ten wild cats of Africa, categorised by big cats, medium cats, and small cats. This genetic closeness is one of the greatest threats to African wildcat populations because interbreeding with domestic cats is common, resulting in significant genetic pollution. In May 2012, TICA accepted it as a championship breed. Species : C. gariepinus 8. In May 2012, TICA accepted it as a championship breed. Somewhat confusingly, the list of African wild cats includes the African wildcat (Felis lybica), a small wild cat species native to Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia: Size: 1 meter high, weighing up to 100 kg. The Serengeti cat looks much like the gorgeous African Serval. The Savannah cat is not just unique, but one of the most exotic cat breeds in the world, being the direct descendant of a wild cat. And wouldn’t that be a pity? Cattle breeds fall into two main types, which are regarded as either two closely related species, or two subspecies of one species. All domestic cats are thought to originate from a single ancestor, the African Wild Cat, because of the very similar tabby markings and other indications. They’re nocturnal animals, and rarely seen, found only on the grassy plains and desert areas of South Africa and Namibia. A tiger, on the other hand, has a bite force of about 1050 PSI. 2020 Is Not The Year From The Tiger; The Royal Bengal Tiger Of The Sunderbans; Siamese Cat Habits – Gloriously Naughty? egyptian cat breeds 3-Egyptian Mau. Publisher So, don’t get a Sphinx unless you have enough time to deal with them or don’t like it when cats sleep next to you. General EnquiriesAdvertisingEditorsTravel with usCEO. The following list of cat breeds includes only domestic cat breeds and domestic × … In reality, there are a few small cat species that most people don't even know exist that … To unwind this energy, it requires its owner to be both physically and mentally active. The login page will open in a new tab. Breed Description: The Savannah cat, a combination of a domestic feline and a medium-sized African wild cat. These cats are gentle, playful, smart, and calm. They are often so striking or intriguing that they are then genetically encouraged through selective breeding. Find your perfect cat breed here! They may not be as well-known as the big cats, or indeed as easy to see, but these medium-sized and small cats are equally beguiling. Read more > Sand Cat (Felis margarita) The Sand Cat is a small wild cats about the size of a domestic cat. There are eighteen subspecies, with a small population remaining in the North African nation of Morocco. Because of their wild heritage, they are very exotic looking cats that were only brought to popularity by western visitors to Africa. And thanks for the heads up on the latin names – resolved. “(Emigration) has made a considerable impact on the selling of all pedigreed breeds of cats,” says Leih. Just a minor typo: scientific names only have the genus capitalised eg Felis Margarita should be Felis margarita. Range & Habitat: Lions tend to prefer grassland, savanna, dense scrub, and open woodland. Origin: Africa/Europe Savannah african cat breeds. These names are brimming with meaning and excitement. The name "Safari" was chosen in reference to the exotic nature of the cat. One of the rare cat breeds, this feline’s history goes as far back as 5,000 years, to the mountains of central and southwest Asia. These countries have given us some of the most unique cat breeds. The Afri… The population of this inconspicuous cat is unknown, but their numbers are believed to be stable, and the IUCN Red List classifies them as being of ‘least concern’.