The Scottish wildcat is traditionally an icon of the Scottish wilderness. The Scottish wildcat or Kellas cat is the likely inspiration of the mythological Scottish creature Cat-sìth. Since the 13th century, it has been a symbol of Clan Chattan.

Scottish wildcats are found further north than those in mainland Europe. They use a mosaic of habitat types which often include broadleaved or mixed woodland. Young coniferous …

Aug 16, 2024 · The Scottish wildcat (Felis silvestris) is one of our most elusive carnivores and the only native member of the cat family still found in the wild in Britain. The wildcat is a European protected species.

Scottish wildcats are one of our rarest mammals. A combination of hunting and habitat loss meant they disappeared from England and Wales close to 200 years ago. Now, the greatest threat to the Scottish wildcat is hybridisation. Many wildcats breed with feral domestic cats.

Jul 25, 2024 · Explore the captivating world of the Scottish Wildcat, the only native wild cat in the United Kingdom. Learn about its unique physical traits, behaviors, and the critical conservation efforts to protect this iconic species.

Scottish wildcats inhabit a few small remote wooded highlands of Scotland. They are particularly active at night, and will prey on rabbits, voles and birds. The introduction of a very similar animal has all-but spelled the end for this critically endangered wild cat.

Facts about the Scottish Wildcat Scientific name: Felis silvestris At a glance A subspecies of the European Wildcat which crossed into Britain after the end of the last Ice Age. Impacted by habitat fragmentation and widespread hybridisation with feral house cats.

Rarely seen and famously untameable, the wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) is an important predator of the Caledonian Forest, but is threatened by interbreeding with feral and hybrid domestic cats.

Wildcats are restricted to small parts of the Scottish Highlands, where they feeds on rabbits and ground-nesting birds. A very shy animal, almost entirely nocturnal and found on moorland and in woodlands. You have to be extremely lucky to catch a glimpse of a wildcat in the wild.

Browse our Scotland wildlife guide to learn about the physical characteristics, behaviors, feeding habits and conservation of rare Scottish wildcats.