Scottish wildcat (Felis silvestris)
This might look like a cuddly tabby cat, but I would never recommend trying to stroke one – it’ll take your fingers off, if not your whole hand!
The Scottish wildcat (Felis silvestris) is a pure predator, like lions and tigers, and so ferocious that until 60 years ago the species was thought to be a man-killer.
It is considered untameable and can sprint at 30mph. Vets prefer to use tranquilliser darts to catch them because they can bite clean through a gauntlet.
They have been known to see off eagles, large dogs and even packs of hounds. And they fight to the death to defend their kittens.
The animals are almost extinct (an estimated 100 pure-bred cats in the wild). The main problem is cross breeding with feral domestic cats and not because of any persecution by man.
Their coat, which is 50 per cent thicker than a domestic cat’s, has a stripe running down the back. Strangely, like their domesticated cousins, they will purr, but never miaow.
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Here Kitty, Kitty: A ferocious animal
