Note the likeness of the thick tail and barred legs to our English wild cat. "Inexpressibly savage in disposition" (Hudson).
Photo by A. S. Rudland & Sons.
EYRA CAT.
The lowest and longest of the cats, shaped more like a civet; it is readily tamed, and makes a charming pet.
Four kinds of wild cats are known in South Africa, of which the largest is the Serval, a short-tailed, spotted animal, with rather more woolly fur than the leopard's. The length is about 4 feet 2 inches, of which the tail is only 12 inches. It is found from Algeria to the Cape; but its favourite haunts, like those of all the wild cats of hot countries, are in the reeds by rivers. It kills hares, rats, birds, and small mammals generally.
Photo by A. S. Rudland & Sons.
BAY CAT.
This is an example of the completely tawny small cats.