Lutra 48(2)_Canters et al_2005

The wildcat (Felis silvestris) finally recorded in the Netherlands

Over recent years in the Netherlands a few cats have been found or seen in the field that showed characteristics of the wildcat. These observations are critically analysed here. Firstly a short overview is presented of the internal and external differences between the wildcat (Felis silvestris) and the domestic cat (Felis catus), and of the taxonomy and distribution of the wildcat. Important internal differences are the length of the intestinal tract (wildcat: 170 cm; domestic cat: >155 cm) and the intracranial volume (wildcat: >31 cm3; domestic cat: 38 cm3). The most distinguishing external differences are outlined. There are four recognisable groups of Felis silvestris:....