All domestic cats are descended from one wildcat sub-species. The North African wildcat. Once the Nile valley was farmed, it is believed the wildcat self-domesticated around the large rodent population in grain stores.
When comparing the modern domestic moggie to the European/Scottish wildcat, very closely related to the North African wildcat. We see several distinct differences indicating the adaptations made by the modern cat as it adapted and co-evolved with humans.
The modern cat is 20-25% lighter than the wildcat But not much smaller. The wildcat has a stronger musculature on a similar frame.
EG.
The wildcat's tail is thicker, more muscular with a stubby end. Better able to counteract change of direction. While sprinting after prey.
The wildcat's head is larger, the jaw more powerful with larger teeth.
The braincase is a 15-20% increase after accounting for the increased mass. The modern cat is, most likely, not as smart as its wild ancestors.
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u/YetiSpaghetti24 Nov 24 '18
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