Who is the closest relative of a cat? - briefly
The closest living relative of a cat is the lion. Both species share common ancestors and exhibit similar genetic traits.
Who is the closest relative of a cat? - in detail
The closest relative of a cat is the African wildcat (Felis lybica), also known as the jungle cat or sand cat. This species is considered the ancestor of all domestic cats and shares many genetic similarities with them. African wildcats are native to Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, and they have been domesticated by humans for thousands of years. The process of domestication has led to the development of various cat breeds that we see today, but the African wildcat remains the closest living relative of the domestic cat. Understanding the relationship between these species provides valuable insights into the evolution and behavior of cats.