[ID] Which wild cat?

[Jason Green]

Hi all,

Whilst out and about today I saw this cat at the edge of woodland in a clearing. Can anyone tell me more about him? Those markings...

25/09/2009

I was standing a good 40-50ft away. These are cropped on my high-zoom prosumer camera, partially using the digital zoom

Thanks for looking.

Take care,

Jason

[valleyforge]

Hi Jason,

This is indeed a very handsome fellow, but what makes you think it was a wild cat?

If you mean that it was living wild (and not just someone's pet out for a wander), then the appropriate term would be 'feral', or just 'lost'.

There is only one true native wildcat species in Britain ... Felix sylvestris ... and this he isn't. Great photos though.

Perhaps some knowledgeable Wabber will be able to tell you what breed of domestic cat (Felix catus) he most closely resembles?

[Lance Morgan]

Its a tabby

[Jason Green]

Thanks both! It was just the stance in the first and markings... Lynx, either cross or in it's ancestry, sprung to mind as it's woodland in the South-east - though I realise it's lacking the tufts on the ears.

That's the first one I've seen with such distinctive markings, anyway. I'll shut my mouth now...

[PMG]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Thanks both! It was just the stance in the first and markings... Lynx, either cross or in it's ancestry, sprung to mind as it's woodland in the South-east - though I realise it's lacking the tufts on the ears.

That's the first one I've seen with such distinctive markings, anyway. I'll shut my mouth now...

Its a very beautiful silver tabby Jase

[valleyforge]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

It was just the stance in the first and markings... Lynx, either cross or in it's ancestry, sprung to mind as it's woodland in the South-east - though I realise it's lacking the tufts on the ears.

Lynx are sometimes called 'bobcats' because they have characteristically short or 'bobbed' tails.

[Chris Hawes]

It's an Egyptian Mau - not that I know much about cat breeds, but they are fairly uncommon and I have one!

Come to think of it, I haven't seen him for a few hours, so if you see him again Jason - tell him his tea's ready.

[PMG]

Originally Posted by Chris Hawes

It's an Egyptian Mau - not that I know much about cat breeds, but they are fairly uncommon and I have one!

Come to think of it, I haven't seen him for a few hours, so if you see him again Jason - tell him his tea's ready.

Goodness so it is - I beg your pardon! what a beauty

[Jason Green]

Thanks Pauline

I'll remember the tip there, VF!

I'll be sure to tell him, Chris! Thanks for the ID.

[Lance Morgan]

Should'nt that be Egyptian Meow