Diaries of a Speculative Biologist

The domestic cat (Felis catus) is one of the most widespread mammal species thanks to the activities of mankind in the Holocene epoch. It has been introduced to every continent except Antarctica and has successfully established feral populations in many regions. Its effect on local wildlife has been drastic, surely shaping the ecosystems of future Earth. The cat itself will surely be shaped as well, and here are some possible descendants of the house-dwelling feline.

Apex predator

The cat is an adaptive predator and agile creature that could easily replace some of the top carnivore niches. In North America, it would certainly face competition from lynxes (or bobcats) and mountain lions, both adaptable and successful species. Still, they could easily outcompete both with their faster birthing rates and smaller bodies (both helpful in surviving extinctions). In Australia, there is also a good chance that the former house cats could become major predators. The local marsupial fauna could easily be pushed out of the way in favor of these placental predators. Cats and foxes would dominate the formerly marsupial-dominated environment. Such apex cats would likely be leopard-like or even lion-like predators (cats seem to be more social than some of their feline counterparts, possibly leading to a pride lifestyle).

Arboreal bird-catcher

Over the past few centuries, cats have made a major impact on the birdlife of the areas they've been introduced to. Perhaps this taste for avians could lead to specialization. The forest regions of North America and island chains such as the Galapagos and Hawaii would be perfect for species of cats adept to catching and preying on flighted birds. Cats have already shown to be skilled climbers and wild species, like the serval, are extremely capable of capturing birds while in flight. It is unlikely that such species would resemble the striger from After Man (as felines could not change their morphology so much as to be similar to a primate) and would also not evolve into gliding or flying forms.

Island monster

Islands seem like evolutionary machines, producing all sorts of unique creatures. Its likely that the descendants of domestic cats on islands would be far from their mainland counterparts, developing unique adaptations and specializations. With the process of island gigantism creating larger rodents and flightless birds on isles, the cats would be the best predators for such creatures. In fact, the descendants of cats could be instrumental in the development of anti-predatory defenses like sickle-claws on flightless birds (maybe even giant chickens!) or spines on giant isle rats. And of course such defenses would require adaptations on the part of the cats (a sort of biological cold war), perhaps leading to miniature versions of the prehistoric saber-toothed cats or even dropping cats (cats that are adapted to live in trees and drop down on top of large prey).

If you have suggestions for any more descendants, be sure to comment on this post.