European wildcat
Quick Summary
The European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) is a wild member of the cat family native to the forested regions of Europe, extending into western Asia. It resembles a domestic cat but is larger, with longer legs, a broader head, and a tail that is shorter and rounded at the tip. Its coat is typically yellowish-gray with dark stripes, and its tail is ringed with black.12
These solitary, nocturnal animals primarily hunt birds and small mammals. They breed once a year in continental Europe and up to three times a year in Scotland. The European wildcat can interbreed with domestic cats, which raises concerns about the purity of some wildcat populations.2
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