22. Water: African wildcat

Having their head down to drink is a vulnerable position so cats prefer a wide, reflective surface so they can see if anything is coming up behind them.

African wildcats prefer a fresh, moving water source to a stagnant pool.

African wildcats will drink at an alternative location to sites of eating and toileting to avoid contamination from gut contents of prey, or own faeces.

As desert animals, they have evolved efficient kidneys and don’t need to drink a large amount.

Their prey contains about 90 per cent water, similar to wet cat food.

African water environment

A fresh running water source

Original image URL - http://www.pbase.com/tcom/image/118379003Image author - Dominique Schreckling, licence - All Rights Reserved, licence granted by the author to Cats Protection

Did you know

Cats (African wildcat and domestic) prefer to drink from a fresh moving water source than a still stagnant pool.