The European wildcat is a small, wild feline native to Europe, known for its distinctive striped coat and bushy tail. It typically weighs between 3.5 to 6.5 kg and has a body length of about 60 to 80 cm. This species prefers forested areas and grasslands, where it hunts small mammals, birds, and insects. Unlike domestic cats, the European wildcat has a more robust build and a less social behavior. It is primarily solitary and nocturnal, relying on its keen senses for hunting. Conservation efforts are in place to protect this species, as it faces threats from habitat loss and hybridization with domestic cats.