The Scottish wildcat is critically endangered, with perhaps fewer than 300 wildcats remaining, many of which are hybrids with domestic cats. Captive breeding and release programs aim to restore the pure wildcat population.
Captive breeding of wildcats involves housing highly solitary, territorial animals in enclosures that cannot fully replicate their ecological and behavioural needs. Wildcats show extreme stress in captivity and require carefully designed housing with maximal hiding opportunities and minimal human contact. Post-release welfare depends on prey availability, territorial establishment, and avoidance of domestic cat contact. Neutering of feral cats near release sites is an ethically complex but welfare-relevant management requirement.