The African wildcat is a small feline native to Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It is the ancestor of the domestic cat and has a similar appearance, featuring a slender body, long legs, and a short tail. Its coat is typically sandy or gray with faint stripes, providing excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. These cats are primarily solitary and are most active during dawn and dusk. They hunt small mammals, birds, and insects, using their keen senses to stalk and pounce on prey. The African wildcat plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations in its ecosystem.