FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
The Asiatic wildcat (Felis lybica ornata) is also known by its other names, the Asian steppe wildcat or the Indian desert wildcat. This wildcat is a subspecies of the African wildcat and is predominantly seen in Asian countries. Compared to the African or European wildcat variants, this wildcat inhabits arid and semi-arid areas. However, diverse habitat patterns are also seen.
It is a small-sized cat that can be easily confused with domestic cats. Its body is covered in sandy or reddish-brown fur that has distinct spots and bands. This cat is a nocturnal hunter that likes to live a solitary life except during the mating season. Currently, as it is recognized as a subspecies, the IUCN gives it the status of Least Concern under the wildcat species complex.
Continue reading for more interesting Asiatic wildcat facts! Also, check out our articles on the African wildcat and black-maned lions to know more about our favorite felines!
The Asiatic wildcat (Felis lybica ornata) is a subspecies of African wildcats.
The Asiatic wildcat belongs to the class Mammalia and to the family Felidae that also contains big cats like tigers and lions.
Rather than being observed as a separate subspecies, Asiatic wildcats are often included in the wildcat species complex that also contains European wildcats. Little is known about the exact populations of Asiatic wildcats.
The populations of these wild cats can be found in places like western India, western China, Central Asia, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.
This wild cat species is mostly known to inhabit drier areas like deserts and semi-deserts. However, variations have been observed in habitat, as in Central Asia, the cat inhabits coastal areas and river basins. This species is also known as the Indian desert cat as it is found in the western state of Rajasthan where it lives in semi-desert areas.
Like most other cat species, the Asiatic wildcat is also solitary and is quite territorial. Moreover, these cats are rarely seen in a group except during the breeding season.
Just like the European wildcat, the average lifespan of the Asiatic wildcat is between 11-15 years while living in the wild. However, for domesticated cats, this range can go up to 20 years.
As a subspecies of the African wildcat, both cats share similar mating rituals and patterns. However, the cats living in Asia will differ in the breeding season based on their geographical location and habitat. Like other cats, the female Asian wildcat has estrus cycles, and the males may compete with each other to mate. It is noted that most Asiatic wildcats mate and breed throughout the year compared to their African counterpart. The average gestation period in Asiatic wildcat reproduction lasts for 56-68 days, and the average litter size range is two to four kittens. Wildcats may breed with a domestic cat to produce feral domestic hybrids. Moreover, when kept as a domestic cat, the Indian desert cat can breed three or more times a year.
Asiatic wildcats aren't listed separately in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list and are included under the wildcat species complex with the status of Least Concern. Even though the Asiatic wildcat endangered is not a thing, these cats have come under the threat of human-cat conflict.
One way that the Asiatic wildcat is considered a subspecies of the African variant is by its appearance. The fur is sandy, gray-yellow or reddish in color, with red or brown spots which gives this cat a distinct look. Like other wildcats, these fairly small cats also have a broad and bulky look, but its short fur cover gives it a slimmer look. The underside of the body is pale yellow or almost white. This pale fur is also seen on its face, especially near the chin and eyes. Stripes are present on its thighs and tail. It also has a long tail length and it has a tapered shape. In India and Pakistan, more prominent small brown spots on the cat's trunk and flanks can be seen.
* Please note that this is an image of an African wildcat, one of the parent breeds of the Asiatic wildcat. If you have an image of an Asiatic wildcat please let us know at [email protected].
We can never make the mistake of not calling a cat cute. The Asiatic wildcat looks just as adorable as the average domestic cat.
Like other cats, the Asiatic wildcat also vocalizes to communicate with its mate and ward off predators. It also makes use of urine to mark its territory and to attract mates.
The average body length range of the Asiatic wildcat is around 18.5-29.1 in (47-74 cm). It also has an additional tail length of 8.6-14 in (21-36 cm). In comparison, the African golden cat has a body length of 24-40 in (61-101.6 cm).
As a subspecies of the African wildcat, we can assume that the Asian variant is also able to run at a speed of up to 49.7 mph (80 kph).
The average weight range of this wild cat species is around 4.4-13.2 lb (2-6 kg).
In the Asian steppe wildcat species, the male is called a tom while the female is called a queen.
An Asian steppe wildcat baby is called a kitten.
Unlike domestic cats, the wildcat is a solitary nocturnal hunter that is great at catching its prey. The most common prey are desert gerbils, hares, birds, small rodents, insects, and reptiles. In Rajasthan, India, these cats also prey on snakes like cobras and saw-scaled vipers.
These aren't inherently dangerous to humans, but they may attack if necessary.
If you live in India or Central Asia, you might have one of these wild cats as pets if the species tend to live close to your home. However, it would be illegal to have the wild cat as a pet if you reside elsewhere. The Asiatic wildcat is also currently under conservation due to illegal hunting and poaching.
This wildcat species complex contains the European wildcat and the African wildcat.
These wildcats are adept at climbing trees.
No, Asiatic wildcats do not travel in packs, but you can see Indian desert cat females traveling with their kittens in a group just after the breeding season.
Yes, wildcats can be tamed and there have been several instances where these cats have been domesticated. Moreover, these animals can also mate with domestic cats giving rise to feral domestic hybrids.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals from our white tiger and Siberian tiger pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable Asiatic Wildcat Cat coloring pages.
* Please note that this is an image of an African wildcat, one of the parent breeds of the Asiatic wildcat. If you have an image of an Asiatic wildcat please let us know at [email protected].
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.