Sign in

Saving Wildcats

@saveourwildcats.bsky.social
1.4K followers 35 following 594 posts

Wildcat conservation and recovery in Scotland 🐾 Working with communities to bring the Highland tiger back from the brink of extinction 🧡

PostsRepliesMedia
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Wild-born kittens are doing well 🧡 The littluns stay with their mum for four to six months before dispersing to find territories of their own. Unlike their parents, kittens cannot be fitted with GPS-radio collars, so the team rely on trail cameras and public sightings to keep track of them 🐾
05110
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
A wildcat’s stripes are unique, like fingerprints, even as kittens 🐾 Although a wildcat's markings change as it matures, key traits tend to remain consistent. This helps the team identify kittens, born to released wildcat females, that reappear on the trail cameras as dispersed juveniles 📸
Four black and white images of wildcat kittens. The top two photos are overlaid with text that reads: Two months old; the bottom two photos are overlaid with text that reads: Seven months old.
0203
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Fancy spending a day helping to refurbish wildcat enclosures at @highlandwpark.bsky.social? 🐾 Join the team for this rare opportunity to support wildcat restoration in the @cairngormsnews.bsky.social. Find out more ➡️ bit.ly/enclosure-vo... 🔨🔧
A young wildcat is standing alert with its front paw slightly raised, looking directly into the camera. The brown, striped cat is surrounded by grasses and juniper bushes.
0173
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Celebrating Scotland's iconic wildlife 🎉 On 24 September, Scottish Wildlife Trust Callander is screening @scotlandtbp.bsky.social's 'Clinging by a Claw' in Bridgend, with profits directly supporting wildcat recovery in Scotland ➡️ savingwildcats.org.uk/about-saving-wildcats/clinging-by-a-claw 🍿
0192
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The team have been incredibly grateful to residents within the Cairngorms National Park for sharing photos of wild-born litters 😻 Their amazing sightings are supporting wildcat conservation in their local area. Seen a wildcat? Visit ➡️ savingwildcats.org.uk/haveyouseenawildcat 📸 Penny Godlington
A wildcat with a red GPS-radio collar is hiding amongst lush green grass, beside a fence in the shade. There is a kitten on a rock beside her, and another kitten hiding next to her. The background vegetation is lit by sunlight. A wildcat kitten is perched on a rock in the shade, and another kitten is hiding in the long grass next to it. The background vegetation is lit by sunlight.Two wildcat kittens are perched on rocks in the shade, and another kitten is hiding in the long grass next to them. The background vegetation is lit by sunlight.A striped wildcat with a red GPS-radio collar is standing tall on a rock, with a long, banded tail. There are several fences in the background, and dense, leafy vegetation.
0241
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Skye, tell us you’ve got two boys without telling us you’ve got two boys… 😹 Doting mum Skye is raising two healthy, boisterous wildcat kittens this summer. Be part of their journey and support mum as she prepares them for a life in the wild 🌄 Sponsor Skye ➡️ savingwildcats.org.uk/sponsor
0223
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Monday Mood 😾 (…and wildcats don’t even know what a Monday morning is)
A brown, striped wildcat with a grumpy expression and white whiskers is staring out of a wooden box.
03310
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Nothing. Just a kitten waving 👋
0288
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Last month, 5-year-old Leo ran Paisley's 3K Fun Run to support the recovery of Scotland's wildcats, raising a whopping £100 💫 The team want to thank Leo for his incredible contribution to Scotland's wildcats 🎉 Become a conservation hero like Leo ➡️ justgiving.com/campaign/ScottishWildcats
A little boy in a blue shirt and running shoes is holding a medal beside his dad on a cobbled street.
1111
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
'Mon ye witty bunch - caption this 😹 #CaptionThis #Wildcat #Badger #ScottishWildlife #FunnyAnimals
1132
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
1/4 Wildcat recovery in Scotland would not be possible without the support and contributions of the UK conservation breeding programme ✨ As hybridisation (interbreeding with domestic cats) began escalating in the 1970s, wildcats in captivity were protected from the threats facing those in the wild.
Professional photo of a brown wildcat looking upwards with bright green eyes in front of a dark green background. The cat’s mouth is open, revealing sharp white teeth
2235
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Part of the bigger picture 📸 Wildcats are just one of thousands of Scottish species that play a key role in a healthy, functioning ecosystem. ✨ Which critter's cameo is your favourite? Support wildcat recovery and tag more images like this on @mammalweb.bsky.social ➡️bit.ly/mammalwebwildcats 🐾
1173
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
1/2 A little lesson in camouflage… 🫥 A wildcat’s brown fur and dark stripes make spotting them in thick vegetation very tricky. Their ability to ‘disappear’ is helpful when they’re hunting and can protect kittens from potential predation 🐾 But this only works if they stay still!
1251
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Don't wait for wildcat news to creep up on you... 👀 Be among the first to enjoy wildcat anecdotes, exciting project updates, conservation career opportunities, and groundbreaking research. Sign up to get your wildcat newsletter delivered straight to your inbox ➡️ savingwildcats.org.uk/join-us 📬
0152
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
1/2 Wildcats arrive on the Isle of Mull (sort of) 👀 Join Saving Wildcats' field operations manager, Louise Hughes, and enjoy the heartwarming film 'Clinging by a Claw' at the An Tobar and Mull Theatre in Tobermory. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session. 📅 Thursday 20 August | 7:30pm
A brown, striped young wildcat sits amongst lush green vegetation, staring intently with amber eyes.
1172
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
1/2 Managing wildcats for release into the wild 🐾 In the latest addition of the Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, a paper has been published detailing this project’s management strategy for wildcats in the conservation breeding for release centre (CBRC), including the critical release critera 💡
A striped wildcat kitten is perched on a wooden ledge inside a large enclosure, with green, leafy vegetation. It’s looking down over the edge with bright eyes.
1162
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
🎉A WORLD FIRST: WILDCAT BIRTH RECORDED ON CAMERA❗️ Proud mum, Skye, welcomed two healthy kittens earlier this summer. Her incredible birth was captured by the nestbox cameras in the conservation breeding for release centre, at @highlandwpark.bsky.social ➡️ savingwildcats.org.uk/kittensoncamera26 🧡
1295
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Wildcats are returning to Scotland thanks to YOUR support 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 That’s kinda chic. Find out how you can get more involved with their recovery ➡️ savingwildcats.org.uk/support 🧡
A striped wildcat is lying curled around a branch in a leafy tree, staring intently with its bright green eyes. There is clear blue sky in the background. The cat appears curious.
0162
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
The baby boom continues ‼️ At least six litters, born to released wildcat females, have been confirmed in the Cairngorms National Park 😻 While four of the mothers have raised litters in previous years, two of the females were released last year and are first-time mums 🐾
A small, brown, striped kitten follows an adult wildcat with a thick, distinctly ringed tail through dense, lush vegetation.
2356
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
The world needs more of whatever this is 💯 #cuddlepuddle
2389
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
📣 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY ‼️ Support the animal team and the wildcats in the conservation breeding for release centre, based at @highlandwpark.bsky.social. You'll be: ✅ Classifying CCTV footage ✅ Monitoring wildcat behaviour ✅ Preparing wildcat food and enclosure maintenance APPLY NOW ⬇️
A fluffy wildcat with a brown striped coat is lying on a wooden platform. The cat has bright green eyes and is facing forward. There is green, leafy vegetation in the background.
1112
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
To the dedicated firefighters, landowners, our project partners, land managers, gamekeepers, farmers and the wonderful local community, Saving Wildcats wants to say a huge THANK YOU for your tremendous hard work tackling the wildfire in the Cairngorms National Park 🧡 📷 James Shooter
1182
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Betty’s bench 🧡 A memorial bench, beautifully carved by Sam Bowsher, has been unveiled at Highland Wildlife Park’s Conservation Den to honour Betty Heath’s legacy to Saving Wildcats.
1171
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Oscar is focused… …on saving wildcats in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Oscar is raising kittens that could be released into the wild. His offspring are already roaming the Cairngorms, bringing their species back from the brink of extinction 🌄 Sponsor Oscar and save his species ➡️ savingwildcats.org.uk/sponsor
0190
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Fancy a wild chat with the team? 🗣 This summer, join us at one of the following Highland events: Wed 29 Jul - Highland Folk Museum Sat 1 Aug - Newtonmore Highland Games Wed 5 Aug - Highland Folk Museum Fri 7 - Moy Country Fair Thu 13 Aug - Grantown Show 📸 Midas Media
050
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Little mews and the pitter-patter of tiny paws are bringing new life into the conservation breeding for release centre, based at Highland Wildlife Park 🐾 Three healthy kittens have been born to experienced mum, Morag, and dad, Fergus.
2304
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
It was stoatily amazing to see this not-so-wee family of eight flash before one of the trail cameras 📸 Wildcats share their home with a vast array of other species, many of which are captured across thousands of images collected during annual surveys. Help the team tag wildlife in the photos ⬇️
A family of eight brown stoats are playfully running across a wooden bridge. There is lush green vegetation in the background.
113646
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Ghost cats 👻 Wildcats are very well camouflaged, and these elusive felines move seamlessly between a mosaic of habitats, including grassland, scrub, and mixed woodland. They can virtually disappear along habitat edges, which is where they do most of their hunting 🐾
0130
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Get the kits out of the house this summer 👩‍👧‍👦 Visit the on-show wildcats at @highlandwpark.bsky.social, and explore the Conservation Den, which offers a panoramic view out to the project's dedicated conservation breeding for release centre. Plan your day ➡️ www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk 🎫 📸 RZSS
Scenic, grassy hillside interspersed with mixed woodland is sunlit with orange hues. At the top of the hill is a wooden building with large windows and veranda overlooking the view. There are snowcapped mountains in the background and a blue sky.Adult wildcat with grumpy expression sitting amongst branches on a forest floor. Beside her is a young wildcat kitten with a striped coat playing with a twig. Background is blurry.
1172
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Saving Wildcats supports mandatory microchipping 🐾 The Royal Zoological Society, lead partner of Saving Wildcats, has joined Cats Protection and other animal charities to push for compulsory microchipping of pet domestic cats ➡️ www.cats.org.uk/mediacentre/...
1183
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
We'll just leave these here... 😽
A wildcat with brown fur and black stripes walks along a gravel road on a hillside, with lush, green vegetation either side. Two kittens are playing to her right, with one pouncing on the other.A wildcat with brown fur and black stripes walks along a gravel road on a hillside with lush, green vegetation either side. Two kittens are striding towards her right. A wildcat with brown fur and black stripes walks along a gravel road on a hillside, with lush, green vegetation either side. She has a GPS radio tracking collar on. Two stripey kittens walk close beside her.
2398
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Not signed up to the project’s newsletter yet? Well, you definitely won’t want to miss the next issue… (it’s due out soon) 😼 Be among the first to read exciting updates directly from the conservation breeding for release centre. Sign up today ➡️ savingwildcats.org.uk/join-us 🧡
A wildcat is standing among lush grass and vegetation, with logs and branches in the background. Its bright yellow eyes are alert and expectant.
0163
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
In touch with their European roots 🇪🇺 Margaret and Oscar were greeting one another with a kiss on each cheek during the breeding season. Be part of their journey as they hope to welcome kittens this summer ➡️ savingwildcats.org.uk/sponsor
0182
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
1/5 What’s the difference between a feral, stray, and pet cat? 🐈‍⬛ While all three are domestic cats (Felis catus), each is managed differently when protecting wildcats (Felis silvestris) in Scotland:
Two domestic cat kittens sit beside one another on a shelf inside an enclosure. The one on the right has long brown, ginger and white fur, whilst the one on the left has short ginger and white fur. Both look alert.
1132
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Two wildcats have been recorded in the Czech Republic’s Lusatian Mountains - the first found in the region in nearly a century 🐾 This exciting development prompted @mongabay.com to speak to Saving Wildcats’ conservation manager, David Barclay, about wildcat recovery 🗺 Read the insightful article ⬇️
A close-up of a wildcat with striped fur perched on a log and looking up to the right. It appears as if it might jump. The background is dark green vegetation.
27423
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
1/2 There's a wildcat in Glenmore 👀 But this one is a little bigger than what you might expect! A mural has been painted on the Glenmore Visitor Centre & Cafe to celebrate the abundant biodiversity of the Cairngorms National Park, including the first recovering population of wildcats in Britain 🖼️
A group of smiling people are standing in black uniforms in front of a café building. The wall is painted green and interspersed with a variety of plant and animal icons. To the lower left side of the wall has a spray-painted profile of a wildcat, decorated with bright colours. There is blue sky in the background and the atmosphere is uplifting.
1212
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
🥈 BIAZA Veterinary Award 2026 Saving Wildcats, led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, is grateful to have a dedicated veterinary team. BIAZA acknowledged the team’s outstanding work in informing wildcat recovery strategies with thorough disease risk assessment 💉 📸 Rewilding Europe
Three women in veterinary uniforms are working around a table with an anaesthetised wildcat on it. They are in a room with white walls and white cupboards. There is medical equipment and utensils on and around the table, and the wildcat is having a procedure. The atmosphere is calm.
0121
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Together, we're saving wildcats 🧡 The team are delighted to have MSP Alex Kerr as the #NatureChampion for Scotland's wildcats. Find out more about @naturechampions.bsky.social ➡️ www.scotlink.org/species/wild...
091
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Lean into the obsession 😻 If you’re (hopefully) as wildcat-obsessed as the team is, then perhaps you fancy treating yourself to a wildcat-themed gift? Who can really call themselves “a cat person” without a wildcat teddy or feline-fabulous earrings? Shop now ➡️ shop.rzss.org.uk/search?q=wildcat 🛍
A fluffy wildcat kitten is climbing up a branch with its claws clinging to the log. Its bright blue eyes are looking up towards the light, and the blurred background is brown and green. There is an atmosphere of curiosity.
0143
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Fancy a cat fact? 😻 European wildcats (Felis silvestris) have a larger, more robust, and longer skull with a greater cranial capacity compared to a domestic cat (Felis catus). A broader, flatter forehead is often noticeable when visually comparing the two species 🐾 📸 Matty Gair
Close-up profile of a wildcat standing outdoors in the shade, with its head turned to the right, and a background of green foliage and dappled sunlight. The image conveys a sense of calm.
0203
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Dhoon holds the title of the heaviest released wildcat the team have trapped to date, weighing a healthy 5.9kg! He has been recorded feasting on deer carrion through the winter months. Male wildcats are typically heavier than females, and often at their heaviest ahead of the breeding season 🧡
1183
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Restoring wildcats for generations to come 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The team had a wonderful time at Boat of Garten Community Hall's Family Fun Day over the weekend. It was a pleasure to catch up with members of the community and update them on the wildcats in their area 🏡 Upcoming events ➡️ bit.ly/SW-events-da...
Two smiling women stand under a gazebo on a grassy field beside tables laden with animal artefacts. There is a flag with a wildcat's green eye on it, and the signs on the tablecloths read 'RZSS' and 'Saving Wildcats'. It is a sunny day, and the atmosphere is welcoming.A woman in a black top is talking to children in colourful clothes and pointing at items on a table. Images in the background are of wildcats. They are under a gazebo with a clear window in a field.Three children are colouring in decorations and pictures of wildcats on tables with green tablecloths. The activity is in a gazebo outside, and the children are kneeling on grass. A sign says 'Find out more about wildcat restoration in your local area'
090
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
pspspsps 🖐 Cute? Yes. Touch? No 🚫 If you’re lucky enough to spot a potential wildcat kitten in the Cairngorms National Park, please give them space. Mothers may leave their kittens for a period of time to hunt for food. Find out what to do next ➡️ savingwildcats.org.uk/haveyouseenawildcat
0256
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
What's more Scottish than a wildcat in Scotland? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 A feisty, red-headed wildcat in Scotland ❤️‍🔥 Sponsor Margaret to receive exclusive updates about this fiery feline and her family ➡️ savingwildcats.org.uk/sponsor
A wildcat with large, expressive green eyes and flattened ears. Its fur is a mix of browns and tans with distinctive stripes, and it has raised one paw off the ground. The cat stands on grass with branches in the background.
0888
Reposted by Saving Wildcats
RSPB Scotland @rspbscotland.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Good news for Capercaillie! 170 male Capercaillie were recorded at breeding lek sites in the Cairngorms National Park this year, rising from 131 in 2025. At RSPB Abernethy, 35 lekking males were recorded, up from 30. @cairngormsnews.bsky.social
Capercaillie footprint in mudA camo hide in the forest where Capercaillie lek counts take place
27617
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Recollaring success 🎉 Earlier this year, the team successfully recollared seven of the released wildcats for further monitoring. These key individuals can offer greater insight into wildcat ecology. Interestingly, two of them re-entered the traps for the third year running 🧡
0203
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
⚽️ Let's hope Scotland play more confidently than this Scottish wildcat at the weekend! 'Mon the boys 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 #WeAre26 #FWC26 #FIFAWorldCup
1190
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
📣Job alert ‼️ Join the team as a full-time wildcat keeper - your responsibilities will include: 🔸 Delivering the highest standard of animal husbandry 🔸 Behavioural monitoring 🔸 Contributing to enclosure design, maintenance, and enrichment Interested? Apply NOW ➡️ bit.ly/wildcat-keep...
A wildcat is lying on grass with its paws out front, staring intently with bright green eyes. The cat appears playful and ready to pounce.
11812
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Oscar plans to spend his Father's Day relaxing in a quiet, shady spot 💤 Make your dad's Day even more special this year by giving him the gift of wildcat sponsorship. Order before 14 June to ensure your loved one receives his bespoke sponsor pack ➡️ savingwildcats.org.uk/sponsor 🧡
0134
Saving Wildcats @saveourwildcats.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Kittens born in the wild 🧡 For a third year in a row, wildcat kittens have been born in the wild to released females 🐾 Find out more about what this means for Scotland's wildcats ➡️ savingwildcats.org.uk/thirdyearwildbirths
A brown striped cat wearing a reflective collar walks along a gravel path, carrying a small grey striped kitten by the scruff of its neck. Grass and low vegetation line the path in the background. The image is slightly blurred, emphasizing the motion of the adult cat as it transports the kitten.
0428