Wildcat Introduction
What is a wildcat in Scotland?
• The Scottish wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) is Britain’s last
native cat species.
• They are very well adapted to life in the mountains.
• The wildcat plays an important role in a healthy ecosystem.
• They look similar to a large pet cat. However, there are key
differences.
• Sadly, they are now one of our most endangered mammals and
are on the edge of extinction.
A wildcat call A wildcat growl
In mythology
• Fables of the Cat Sìth, a fairy
creature, are thought to have
been inspired by the Kellas cat.
• A book published in 1693 mentions
wildcat body parts were used for
medicinal purposes:
• its flesh for treating gout;
• its fat for dissolving tumours and easing
pain;
• its blood for curing “falling sickness”; and
• its excrement for treating baldness.
Page 158 Illustration in
More English Fairy Tales
by John D. Batten / CC
BY 1.0
In heraldry
• Considered as an icon of
Scottish wilderness
• Used in clan heraldry since the
13th century • The foundation myth of the Catti
• The Picts honored wildcats, tribe is based upon the wildcat.
probably named Caithness • The wildcat’s ferocity impressed
(Land of the Cats) after them. the Catti so much, that it became
their symbol.
• The Clan Sutherland chief bears
the title Morair Chat (Great Man
of the Cats).
Crest Badge of Clan
Sutherland by
Sodacan / CC BY 1.0
Wildcat status in Scotland
Wildcats in Scotland are Critically Endangered.
There are fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild.
Wildcats in Scotland could become extinct without help.
The story so far…
7,000 BC 55 BC 1880 – 1890 AD 1915 – 1980 AD 1988 AD
European wildcats
crossed the ice from After the World Wars,
Wildcats are legally
The Romans bring Near No wildcats left in Scottish wildcats start
the Continent into protected for the first
Eastern cats to Britain England or Wales to range further afield
Britain at the end of time, it is now illegal to
as pets and meet mostly pet
the last Ice Age, kill or disturb a wildcat
cats
9,000 years ago
2015 AD 2013 AD
Scottish Wildcat Action brings together the UK’s top wildcat
experts in a bid to save this locally critically endangered The Scottish
native species. It is the first national conservation plan with a Wildcat
vision to restore viable populations of wildcats within the Conservation Action
central Highlands. Plan is developed
Cause of the decline
3949207 by Pixabay / CC BY 1.0 Rifle by Pxfuel / CC0 1.0
Habitat change
European rabbit by JJ
Harrison / CC BY-SA 3.0
The Cairngorms geograph by Alan Findlay / CC BY-SA 2.0
Breeding
Wildcat Wildcat
Wildcat kittens
Hybridisation
Domestic
Wildcat
cat
Hybrid kittens
How to spot a wildcat
Here are the 7 main distinguishing
features: Four wavy neck
stripes
Two shoulder
stripes
Wildcat Unbroken stripes Domestic
on the side
No spots on
bottom
Back stripe stops
at tail
Dark tail stripes
Tip is rounded and black
Wildcat priority areas
Strathavon
Strathpeffer
Northern
Strathspey Strathbogie
Angus
Glens
Morvern
Scottish Wildcat
Action are creating
safe places for wildcats
in these six priority
areas.
Wildcat habitat
Scotland has been heavily
deforested which caused the
wildcat to evolve to use
different types of habitat:
o Farmland
o Meadows
o Forest
o Mountain Foothills
Conservation in action
Scottish Wildcat Action are:
• working in the priority areas to reduce the risks of
hybridisation, disease and accidental persecution;
• breeding healthy wildcats for later release to increase
the population; and
• gathering data and sharing the findings to improve
understanding of this elusive predator.
Camera traps
How YOU can help
• Report sightings of wildcat
• Make a donation or adopt a wildcat or volunteer and get involved.
• Make sure your cat is a Supercat!
• Supercats are pet or farm cats that have been micro-chipped, neutered and have up-to-date
vaccinations.
scottishwildcataction.org
