Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and Wildcat Conservation 2026

Scottish wildcats face extinction from hybridisation with domestic cats, making conservation breeding and reintroduction critical welfare and conservation priorities.

Key Facts

Fewer than 300 pure Scottish wildcats are estimated to remain in the wild
Hybridisation with domestic cats is the primary threat to genetic integrity
A captive breeding and reintroduction program began in the Cairngorms in 2023
Neutering domestic cats in core wildcat areas reduces hybridisation pressure
Wildcats require large home ranges and low disturbance for successful reintroduction

Welfare Considerations

Scottish wildcats face extinction but conservation intervention offers hope. Supporting breeding programs and reducing domestic cat hybridisation can save this species.

What You Can Do

Support Scottish Wildcat Action and Saving Wildcats conservation programs
Neuter domestic cats in rural Scotland to reduce hybridisation
Donate to captive breeding and reintroduction programs