The wildcat that got too close for comfort

This curious cat got up close and personal with a tourist while on safari at the Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya.

The wild cat, with its razor sharp claws and teeth, sure is one moggy you'd rather not have curling up on your lap.

But, nevertheless, the bold animal hopped into the back seat of a jeep as it drove through the African plains - much to the shock of an Irishman inside.

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A curious wild cat got up close and personal with a holidaymaker on safari in Kenya when the animal jumped into the back seat of a jeep

After entering the vehicle, it slowly sauntered over to holidaymaker Mickey McCaldin until it was barely a foot away from his face.

Family friend David Horsey captured the tense standoff between the pair as it looked like the cheetah was going to make himself comfortable on Mickey's lap.

David, 62 from Mombasa, Kenya, said: 'I've been living in Kenya all my life and I've never seen anything like this.

'The cheetah just wasn't scared of getting up close and personal. At first Mickey was really relaxed but I think he was quite concerned it might try and sit in his lap.

'Unlike a domestic cat, you certainly don't want that.'

At first, the cheetah simply looked at Irish tourist Mickey McCaldin curiously, but then it moved closer as if to curl up on his lap

At one point, the large cat was so close to Mickey that it was only about a foot away from his face

Family friend David Horsey captured the tense standoff between the pair, including the moment that the animal lept into the safari jeep

Making himself comfortable: The cheeky cheetah and his family casually lounged atop the group's Land Cruiser jeep

David captured the pictures on June 12, as the group tracked a well-known family of cheetahs, whose mother is called Malaika.

Having followed them for a couple of days previously, they observed that the family hadn't had a kill for several days.

David said: 'The family had been looking for a gazelle for a few days with no luck.

'As we'd been around for a couple of days, I think they were used to the jeep so the mum jumped on top to get a better view.

'I think the other cheetah tried to follow her up but went a different way.

'Once it had got bored of Mickey it turned away and looked out of the vehicle for a few minutes.

'It just jumped out afterwards.'

Photographer David, 62 from Mombasa, Kenya, said: 'I've been living in Kenya all my life and I've never seen anything like this'

The incredible pictures were taken on June 12, as the group tracked a well-known family of cheetahs, whose mother is called Malaika

The group was a bit nervous after learning that the cheetah family hadn't had a kill for several days and were likely hungry

David explained: 'I think they were used to the jeep so the mum jumped on top to get a better view'

While at first Mickey was quite relaxed, the group quickly became concerned that the cat may decide to snuggle up next to him

Surprise of their lives! The safari group was comprised of a guide, as well as Mickey, his wife, sister, photographer David and David's wife

Mickey was out on holiday with his wife and sister, who are friends of David and his wife Vicky.

David said: 'Me and Vicky have lived in Kenya all our lives but we never feel the urge to leave.

'People always ask us where we're going on holiday and it's always around the game reserves. 

'You never know what you're going to come across - just like this.'