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Part of the problem stems from the fact that the
accepted physical description of the species
originates from the selective nature of the
examination process by the British Natural
History Museum at the start of the century, and
this has been used as the type-definition for
the animal ever since. Animals that did not
conform to that large blunt-tailed ‘tabby’
description were discarded as not being
wildcats. In other words, an artificial collection
of specimens was built up, exhibiting the
features considered typical of the wildcat.
The current research aims to resolve this
potential problem. It is attempting to find out
whether there are any physical features which
characterise the so-called wild-living cats.
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But what of his lifestyle? Wildcat kittens are
usually born in May/June in a secluded den,
secreted in a gap amongst boulders. Another
favourite location is in the roots of a tree.
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Rabbits are a favourite prey, and some of the
best areas to see wildcats are at rabbit
warrens close to the forest and moorland edge.
Mice, small birds and even insects also form a
large part of the diet, and the animal may
occasionally take young deer.
The wildcat is one of the Scottish Highlands’
most exciting animals. Catch a glimpse of one
and the memory will linger forever.