Home › Mammalia › Felidae › Wildcat (Felis silvestris)
SPECIES PROFILE
Wildcat (Felis silvestris)
Felis
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Europe (relict populations)
DIET
Carnivorous
HABITAT
Remote woodland, mountains
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Felidae
GENUS
Felis
📋 Description
SIZE
50-80 cm body, 3-8 kg
COLORATION
Tabby-like, thick tail with rings
ADAPTATIONS
Solitary, nocturnal, excellent hunter
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Remote woodland, mountains
DIET
Carnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Europe (relict populations)
REPRODUCTION
2-6 kittens, 1 litter per year
DIET DETAILS
Rodents, rabbits, birds
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Hybridisation with domestic cats, persecution
💡 Interesting Facts
1
The Scottish wildcat is one of the rarest mammals in Britain and looks like a large tabby with a thick, ringed tail.
2
It is genetically distinct but threatened by hybridisation with feral cats.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Scottish Highlands
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Extremely rare; look for in Scottish Highlands.
