Phylogeny

This is the phylogenetic tree of the order Felidae. As you can see, the domestic cat is most closely related to the European wildcat (Felis sylvestris.) Both evolved from the African wildcat (Felis lybica.) [This is the most widely accepted relationship.]

 

Here is a more generalized form of the tree. It begins with the Domain Eukarya and ends with the Family Felidae. As the organism becomes more complex, it takes a step up this 'ladder.' The rest of the tree is located above.

 

 

Click on the following to learn more about a few relatives of the domestic cat:
Cougar
Ocelot
Jaguar
Lion
Leopard

 

To learn about the history of the domestic cat, click here.