Asiatic wildcats are a subspecies of the African wildcat. It is also called the Asian steppe wildcat and Indian desert cat. The cat has a long tail with a short black tip. The coat, which can range from sand yellow, to a grey yellow or red, has small black (or red-brown) spots. The conservation status of the cat is Least Concern, but populations are declining.

Scientific Name: Felis lybica ornata
Conservation Status: Least Concern

 

More About the Asiatic Wildcat

Physical Characteristics

The Asiatic wildcat has light colored fur with spots on its upper body. It is smaller than the European wildcat with lighter fur.

The cat’s tail is long, thin and tapering with a black rings and a black tip. There are very few spots on the cat’s lower throat and neck. Asian wildcats also have a dark stripe from the corner of its eye to the base of its ear, and tufts of hear above its ears. The cat’s legs are longer than the legs of a domestic cat.

Asiatic Wildcat FROM TO
Weight 4.5 lbs. 17 lbs.
Body Length 16 in. 25 in.
Tail Length 8.5 in. 14.8 in.

Habitat (Where Asiatic Wildcats Live)

The Asiatic wildcat is mostly seen in scrub deserts with an elevation of up to 3,000 feet, some mountain areas if there is enough vegetation and forests.

The Caucasus mountain range separates European wildcats from Asiatic wildcats. The area is located between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. You can find Asiatic wildcats in the lower desert and semi-desert areas near the Caspian sea.

Asiatic wildcats also inhabit Iran, Afghanistan, India and China.

In Iran, the cat has been seen in forests, mountain areas, plains and along the coast. Asiatic wildcats in India typically inhabit the Thar Desert, also called the Great Indian Desert. The Thar Desert is located in the northwestern part of India.

Asiatic wildcats are located in several regions throughout China, including Xinjiang, Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia.

Hunting and Prey (Diet)

Asiatic wildcats eat rodents, birds, reptiles, fish, insects and eggs, including voles, squirrels, hares, muskrats, rats, doves, finches, sparrows, lizards, beetles, pheasants, partridges and grasshoppers.

Reproduction and Lifespan

The mating season various depending on the region. Litters generally range in size from 2 to 4 cubs. Female wildcats will often mate with male domestic cats. Asiatic wildcats live up to 11 years.

Conservation Threats

One of the main Asiatic wildcat conservation threats is crossbreeding with domestic cats. Some scientists believe that the number of pure Asiatic wildcat populations is relatively few. Feral domestic wildcats also compete with Asiatic wild cats for food.