The Scottish Wildcat
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The Scottish Wildcat
The Scottish wildcat (felis silvestris) was once a symbol of the Highlands and wild places of Scotland. Sadly, this beautiful animal is now critically endangered.
The last of the Scottish wildcats today remain in northern Scotland, where numbers may have dropped to as few as 400 animals.
[Image generously shared by gnasheruk on flickr under a non-commercial Creative Commons licence.]
Scottish Wildcat
Image Credits
Scottish Wildcat - by jeffna on flickr
Domestic Cat - by tanakawho on flickr
On the Brink of Extinction - by BrianScott on flickr
Grateful thanks to the above and other photographers whose work has been used here. All these photos are protected by their respective owners under a Creative Commons licence.
“Wild cat? Isn't it just a regular tabby?”
Compare with the domestic cat
Preview of the documentary Last of the Scottish Wildcats
What's wild about the Scottish wildcat?
Scottish wildcats are a native British species. On the other hand, the domesticated cat (felis catus) was introduced to the UK by the Romans.
The Scottish wildcat is a larger, stockier animal than an ordinary cat. It has a striped coat in the familiar tabby markings and has green eyes. The face of a Scottish wildcat is broad and it can look rather angry. It also has a much broader tail than a domesticated cat.
The wildcat hunts at night and is rarely seen by people. While you can tame a feral cat with time and patience, it is said that you will never tame a Scottish wildcat!
Why is the Scottish wild cat endangered?
Image by BrianScott on flickr
There have been many factors contributing to the threat to the Scottish wildcat. Historically, these have included: the fur trade, destruction of habitat, and being killed for their threat to farm animals.
Although there is greater respect for the preservation of this rare animal today, their ultimate downfall may come from an unexpected source: the humble pussycat.
The breeding of Scottish wildcats with unneutered domestic cats has led to a drop in the numbers of true Scottish wildcats being born. At the same time, these wild animals are being exposed to domestic cat diseases.
Help the Scottish Wildcat
If you live in northern Scotland, please have your cat neutered and ensure it has up to date vaccinations against viruses.
Where can I see a Scottish Wildcat?
Even if you live in Scotland, it's unlikely that you will see a Scottish Wildcat in the wild unless you live in a very remote area and have keen eyes.
Sadly, I have only ever seen one of these beautiful cats in a caged enclosure. Although they live well in captivity and it is currently possibly the only way to ensure their survival, there is something sad about seeing such a wild and free-spirited creature in a cage.
This is not to say that the efforts of conversation workers and wildlife trusts are not valued. Without them, the fate of the Scottish Wildcat would be even more of a concern. If the only way children and adults can see a Scottish Wildcat is in an animal park, perhaps some good may still come of it if it makes them care about this precious species on the brink of extinction.
However, how much better if Scottish wildcats can be protected and helped to thrive in the wild. This is the aim of the Cairngorms Wildcat Project.
You can read more about this wonderful and very important project on the Highland Tiger website. This is a beautiful and interesting site full of images and information on the Scottish Wildcat - and was the inspiration for this Squidoo lens.
One of the things that Highland Tiger say you can do to help is to spread the word. I hope I have done that here.
Highland Tiger also offer a free DVD and free postcards with some stunning Scottish wildcat images (they welcome donations to cover their costs) so that you can help them get the word out about the Scottish Wildcat's plight.
Scottish Wildcat kitten - bred in captivity in England
Beautiful Posters of the Scottish Wildcat
Stunning Photography For Your Home
Highland Tiger
On the brink of extinction....
Please help to save me
Image by gnasheruk on flickr
I am not affiliated with Highland Tiger in any way but urge you to visit their site if you wish to learn more about helping to save the Scottish Wildcat.
If we wait to act... the sad reality is that it could soon be too late.
Please Note:
100% of author income from this page is donated to by Squidoo to Big Cat Rescue as there is no Squidoo-affiliated charity at present that is solely concerned with the Scottish Wildcat. You can however donate directly to the cause of the Scottish Wildcat via Highland Tiger.
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Sadly, like the Scottish Wildcat, the African wild cat is also endangered. Raising awareness on its plight is Vladi, one of the site's most stylish and unique writers. Take the time to learn more about this beautiful creature and what can be done to save it before it is too late.
As you learn from a cheetah's point of view the facts about this most elegant of the big cats and watch videos showing them in action, you'll be swept up in a very personal story. However, for the cheetah, there is so rarely a happy ending. Take the time to stop by and show your support for this amazing animal who will surely capture your heart.
The Truth About Tabby Cats is packed with information about the many shades and patterns of tabby cats, and explains in clear English the rather complex science behind their beautiful coat colors and markings. If you too are owned by a tabby, or simply love this beautiful domestic feline (who shares her stripes with the Scottish Wildcat and many other larger cousins), you'll find this an engaging read.
Last but definitely not least, be sure to visit The Sand Cat and The Clouded Leopard which are both beautifully presented and informative guides to some elusive cats.
I'd love to hear your thoughts about the Scottish Wildcat.
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flicker
Jan 6, 2012 @ 12:26 am | delete
- What a beautiful animal! Thanks for all the photos and information.
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Wednesday_Elf
Nov 8, 2011 @ 4:26 pm | delete
- Hi my sweet little Pear. There's currently a Thanks Giving Quest to pick a lensmaster who has helped me the most -- and I picked YOU. Many wonderful Squidsters have helped me on my Squidoo Journey, but you stand out as my #1 for your help & advice, encouragement, kindnesses, and caring friendship. You are my steady rock to cling to in the Squidoo sea when I've floundered. So "Thanks, Pal" to my dear friend & lensmaster WordCustard.
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WordCustard
Nov 9, 2011 @ 1:47 am | delete
- Dear Elf, what an outstandingly kind thing to say. I'm greatly honoured, especially when it comes from someone who herself is tireless in her efforts to help others. I think you do far more than I do! A very big thank you.
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DavidDove
Sep 19, 2011 @ 10:20 am | delete
- Beautiful creatures, thank you for show casing them for all
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debnet
Aug 15, 2011 @ 9:53 am | delete
- Blessed by a squid Angel ;)
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MamaBelle
May 31, 2011 @ 8:01 am | delete
- Such a beautiful animal. I had no idea the Scottish Wildcat even existed.
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Tipi
Apr 15, 2011 @ 10:22 pm | delete
- The Scottish wildcat is new to me and I felt bad thinking it looked kind of mad in the pictures and was glad you mentioned that it can have an angry appearance. It definitely has a different look than a Tabby. Then I was wondering if it might be ferrel and you cleared that up too. Congratulations on a well deserved purple star here!
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CathyLou
Apr 7, 2011 @ 2:41 am | delete
- What a beautiful cat. It really does look like a domestic tabby. Thanks for lensrolling my Clouded Leopard, I've lensrolled this one right back!
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awelldressedbullet
Feb 14, 2011 @ 4:57 pm | delete
- ~ Cupid Kisses by a Squidoo Angel ~
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Wednesday_Elf
Feb 1, 2011 @ 4:48 pm | delete
- Hi my little Pear friend. This lens has now been featured on and lensrolled to my "SquidAngel Blessings by a Squid-Elf" lens. :)
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Thanks for visiting this page to learn more about the Scottish Wildcat. Proceeds go to Big Cat Rescue.
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