Wild Cat
The wild cat (Felis silvestris silvestris)
It is a wild feline that inhabits various ecosystems across the Iberian Peninsula. Unlike the domestic cat, the wild cat has a more robust body, a large head, strong legs, and a thick tail with dark rings, giving it an unmistakable appearance.
It is a solitary, territorial animal with primarily nocturnal or crepuscular habits, making it a difficult species to observe in the wild.
In Spain, the wild cat is distributed throughout much of the country, although it is most noticeable in mountainous and forested areas.
Its main distribution areas include the Cantabrian Mountains, the Pyrenees, the Central System, the Sierra Morena, the Montes de Toledo, and some mountain ranges in the east and south of the Iberian Peninsula, such as Cazorla, Segura, and Las Villas.
It prefers dense forest habitats with little human presence, where it finds refuge and abundant food, especially rodents and rabbits.
Observing the wildcat in its natural habitat isn’t easy due to its elusive nature, but it’s not impossible.
Where to see a Wild Cat?
The best place to see these solitary felines is in mountainous and forested areas. The best time to spot the wildcat is in winter and spring, during its mating season.
