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.