The Small Cats

Most authorities now classify the small and medium-sized cats of Africa and Eurasia as members of the genus Felis, the domestic cats close family.

There are many similarities in the sizes, looks, activities and even, when they are known, the genetics of these cats.

Lire the domestic cat, the lifestyle of its close relatives is one of prolonged inactivity  punctuated by bursts of activity when in search of food.

Little is known about the social behavior of these species, but those that have been observed have displayed habits similar to those of the domestic cat. Few, however, carry the potential for domestication in their natural form.
 
Serval Felis served A native of the African savannas, the serval's coat is tawny with black spots. It can leap twice its own length to bring down birds.
 
 
The individual anatomical and behavioral characteristics of each species of wildcat are the result of evolutionary adaptations to take advantage of available sources of food.

Some species, such as the fishing cat, have adapted to life on the waters edge, where they feed on shellfish, snakes, and rodents. Others, like the Chinese desert cat, have had to adapt to life in an arid climate, and more typically prey upon small mammals.

All cats have developed coat colors and markings that camouflage them from their prey in their particular environments. Generally speaking, spotted cats live in forests, while less vividly patterned cats live and hunt in tall grass or open territory. 

Regardless of their habitat, however, all of the domestic cats close relatives share common characteristics.In the wild, most cats are solitary and keep to their own territories, which they mark with scent.

A male’s territory may overlap the territories of several females but male and female rarely meet, except to mate after a brief courtship.