WANTED.wild cats

[landy]

I am wanting to start a study into our local wildcat population but need to gather some info first.plz could anyone that has sighted a wildcat in Caithness,past or present,plz pm me.would like to compile as many factual sightings as possible with their location so I can then effectively lauch into my research.all info will be treated in the strictest confidence.please help as this info will hopefully go towards a post grad study and also may help to prove more breeding pairs of these wonderful animals.many thanks:)

[cptdodger]

I have sent you a PM.

[pheasant plucker]

I've just taken a mouse from my cat and now she is furious , does that count!!

[Tyke]

Have sent you a pm. Good look with your research.

[poppett]

There are currently thirteen interbreeding feral cats in the Glebe in Thurso.

Perhaps that is not the kind of wild cat you mean.

[r.rackstraw]

You might want to start with the records already on NBN Gateway
https://data.nbn.org.uk/Taxa/NHMSYS0000332741/Grid_Map#

Problem is that distinguishing pure wildcats from hybrids with feral cats is not straightforward. See http://www.scottishwildcats.co.uk/identify.html

You might be told about sightings of 'wildcats' but they might not be the genuine article.
But good luck with your study.

[cptdodger]

You have probably seen this already Landy but have a look at this - http://www.scottishwildcataction.org/about-wildcats/

[landy]

just need to ask again as have contacted the Scottish wildcat action group,as on landward tonite,and need to confirm sightings with a hope to take part in their country wide survey.please help me put Caithness on the map for wildcats,plus may be able to borrow some camera traps to record them.many thanks.x

[richardj]

Interesting article on the BBC website today on possible wildcats being spotted/photographed near Dingwall and also information on the latest projects regarding finding their habitats http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-35418993
It would be interesting for the same level of investigation to be set up for Caithness.

[landy]

thanks for all the replies.do still need help tho plz.really need a photo of one of these elusive creatures to confirm their existence up here so as to complete my application for further study.if anyone has such a picture plz message me and will forward my email address.really do need everyones help to put Caithness on the map esp as dingwal has had a sighting.many thanks.x

[silkie]

Have a few photos of a possible wild cat killed near Dunnet forest about the 20th Nov, still not got the dna results to prove can send you the photos if you could give me an address

[landy]

pm d you.thanks

[Fran]

My old aunt near bettyhill fed a wild cat for years. He was big short legs big head. She never tamed him but he always came to her back door. He made her cat pregnant and the two kittens were like dad. I had one. He was very striped, long, short legs just like a wild cat but so loving and friendly. He lived to 16