Scottish Wildcat Day
August 8, 2025-August 8, 2025 -
UK, UK
Scottish Wildcat Day, observed on August 8th each year, is a special day dedicated to raising awareness about the critically endangered Scottish wildcat.
This day aims to draw attention to the plight of this iconic species and highlight its challenges, such as habitat loss, hunting, diseases spread by domestic cats, and especially hybridization with domestic cats.
The history of the Scottish wildcat is both fascinating and tragic. By the 1800s, the wildcat population had drastically reduced, confined to northern England, Wales, and Scotland, with Scotland being its last stronghold by 1880.
The decline was accelerated by habitat loss due to deforestation and persecution for their fur and by establishing sporting estates where wildcats were killed as part of game bird predator control.
Although the origins of Scottish Wildcat Day are not well-documented, the day has become an important occasion for conservation efforts.
It encourages actions such as protecting wildcats, creating awareness about their extinction risk, and supporting conservation organizations through donations. People are also encouraged to make their pet cats “Supercats” by vaccinating, neutering, and micro-chipping them to prevent disease transmission and hybridization with wildcats.
Despite these efforts, the Scottish wildcat remains one of Britain’s most endangered mammals. Conservation initiatives, including breeding programs and habitat restoration, protect this species and its environment.
Scottish Wildcat Day serves as a reminder of our responsibility to safeguard these magnificent creatures and their place in the natural world.
08 Aug 25
00:00 - 23:59
Scottish Wildcat Day
