Descend from Martelli’s cat about 250,000 years ago, the forest Wildcats of Europe and Western Russia are the oldest form of the Wildcat there is. In Russia, European Wildcat lives in very wet, swampy areas. There She lives in trees for weeks, feeding on Rats taking refuge from the waters. In Scotland, She lives on the moors and in the woodlands. Wherever European Wildcat lives, Rodents and Rabbits are the major staple of her diet.
In Scottish folklore, European Wildcat is the ancestor of several clans – MacIntosh, MacNeishe, and MacBain. The ancient Picts, who formerly lived in now modern day Caithness, formed the Cat Clan. They worshipped European Wildcat for her natural fierceness. The Picts believed that European Wildcat was the Underworld’s Messenger, sacred to the Goddess of the Moon. In the Scottish Highlands, they told of the power of the King of the Cats, who could answer any question, if He chose to.
The last stronghold for European Wildcat in Great Britain is Scotland. Because She is believed to kill Game Birds, She has been the focus of many persecutions. Gamekeepers on hunting estates have killed thousands of her numbers. However, today there are laws enforce to stop the slaughter.
In spite of determined efforts to eradicate European Wildcat, She is still here. However now, European Wildcat has the aid of dedicated people to protect Her. Learn how persevere against all odds is what European Wildcat teaches.
European Wildcat’s Teachings Also Include:
“The wildcat is the real cat, the soul of the domestic cat; unknowable to human beings, yet he exists inside our household pets, who have long ago seduced us with their seemingly civilized ways.” – Joyce Carol Oates.
“Na Bean Do’n Chat Gun Lamhainn” (“Touch not the cat but a glove”, which means do not approach when the cat’s claws are unsheathed.) – MacPerson Clan motto.
Conservation Note: European Wildcats are protected in the U.K. They are heavier than a domestic cat, and possess a bushy tail.
The Scots tell of the Cait Sith (Fairy Cat). This large black cat has dark green eyes and long ears. In Scottish folklore, if a person encountered a Fairy Cat, they would hear Her offering a prophecy. As a Being from the Other World, Cait Sith watched humans and reported on what She saw.
Scientists studying the scant evidence have determined this cat is Kellas Cat, perhaps a large black hybrid. However, not much is known about this Cat, except from reports of a large Black Cat roaming Scotland in recent years. But the tales of Fairy Cat are much older than the Kellas Cat sightings.
Scottish Wildcat picture copyrighted by Allan Bantick, who managers Strathspey Badger Hide and assists with the monitoring and protection of wildlife in Scotland.
Va. Carper
July 25, 2007