The wildcat

The wildcat (Felis silvestris) is a species of cat family, which is native to Europe (compare European wildcat), Africa, West Asia, Central Asia and India in various subspecies.

As it is one of the most widespread cat species, the African wildcat has been listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2002. The African wildcat is the ancestor of the domestic cat.

The natural range of this wild animal extends from Scotland and Western Europe across Central and Eastern Europe to Central Asia and western India. It also inhabits large parts of Africa, with the exception of the tropical rainforests of Central Africa.

The European wildcat or forest cat (Felis silvestris silvestris) is widespread in Europe, some Mediterranean islands, Anatolia, as well as the Caucasus and North Caucasus, and is characterized primarily by its bushy tail, which ends in a broad, blunt curve. Three black "rings" are often found at the tip of the tail. The fur is dense, the striped pattern quite striking, but also often indistinct.

Interesting facts about the wildcat :

• Very highly developed senses, but only moderate sense of smell.
• Primarily active at dusk and at night.
• Body structure: appears massive due to the dense, long-haired fur
• Coat "washed out" on the sides, greyish-brown, often with white spots on throat, chest and belly; always with a dark dorsal stripe (so-called eel stripe)
• Tail bushy, with a blunt black end, often with 2–3 distinct black rings.
• The territory of the female cat can be up to 3,500 ha, that of the male cat up to 5,500 ha.
• A typical forest dweller and territorial loner. They mark their territories with urine splashes, feces, scratching posts, or scent markings.
• Mating is similar to that of domestic cats. At night, the mating calls, especially of the male, can be heard.
• After a gestation period of 63 to 69 days, the cat gives birth to her litter of usually 2–5 kittens in April/May in piles of brushwood, burrows, rock crevices, and similar hiding places. The kittens are blind for 9 to 11 days.
• The kittens are nursed for up to three months. At two months old, the young cats accompany their mother on hunts. The male cat likely does not care for the young.
• From autumn onwards, the young animals are independent and seek out their own territory.
• They reach sexual maturity at 10 months and the females can give birth to their own young.
• Natural enemies include the lynx and wolf; young wildcats are also preyed upon by the eagle owl, golden eagle, hawk, fox, and marten.
• The wildcat prefers south-facing slopes that are not too high in altitude, with plenty of undergrowth and rocky areas to provide hiding places, and wide open areas as feeding grounds.
• It lives throughout Central Europe, except in the Alps.
• Prey consists mainly of small rodents, but also birds, mammals up to the size of a rabbit, insects and amphibians when the opportunity arises.
• It captures its prey by silently creeping through the undergrowth, freezing at the slightest noise, and then bringing its victim down with a few powerful leaps.
• Carrion only in times of dire need.
• As soon as there is imminent danger, the she-cat moves her kittens to another hiding place.
• Maximum age in the wild is 12 to 14 years, in captivity up to 21 years.
• High losses result from traffic accidents and traps set by hobby hunters.
• Formerly found almost everywhere in Central Europe, but almost eradicated due to intensive hunting.

What is Wild beim Wild doing to protect the wildcat?

We are committed to preserving and connecting populations and their habitats. Natural corridors enable genetic exchange between individual populations. Protecting not only predators but also their prey is an essential part of our work. We achieve this by defending wildlife from unnecessary hunting and poaching wherever possible.

Animal portraits