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Nature

Scottish Wildcat

What is scottish wildcat?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Scientific name Felis silvestris / Felis silvestris silvestris[2]
Common name Scottish wildcat; Highland tiger[2]
Region Scotland[1]
UK status Critically endangered[1]
Family Felidae[2]
Population estimate 115 to 314 individuals[3]

The Scottish wildcat is the only native wild cat still found in the wild in Britain, and it is critically endangered in the UK. It is a European wildcat population found in Scotland, known scientifically as *Felis silvestris* or *Felis silvestris silvestris*.

Context

The Scottish wildcat is a European wildcat population found in Scotland, with a population estimate of 115 to 314 individuals [3]. It is critically endangered in the UK [1]. Threats include hybridisation with domestic cats [1] and habitat loss [4]. Some sources use the binomial *Felis silvestris*, while others use the trinomial *Felis silvestris silvestris* [2]. It is commonly confused with domestic tabby cats [2].

Documented claims

  • The Scottish wildcat is the only native wild cat still found in the wild in Britain. [1]
  • It is critically endangered in the UK. [1]
  • Hybridisation with domestic cats is a major threat. [1]
  • Habitat loss also threatens the species. [4]

Questions and answers

Is the Scottish wildcat larger than a domestic cat?

The Scottish wildcat is often confused with domestic tabby cats, but it is generally larger and more robust, though specific size comparisons vary by source [2].

How rare is the Scottish wildcat?

It is critically endangered in the UK, with population estimates ranging from 115 to 314 individuals [3].

Is a Scottish wildcat a bobcat?

No, the Scottish wildcat is not a bobcat. It is a European wildcat population (*Felis silvestris*), not a lynx species [2].

Sources

  1. Five Fascinating Facts – Wildcats — scotsmagazine.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Scottish wildcat guide: how to identify, where they live, and conservation efforts - Discover Wildlife — discoverwildlife.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Wildcat — edinburghzoo.org.uk (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. Scottish Wildcat Species Profile — wildcathaven.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature