Wildcat


 * WILD CAT IN SLOVAKIA

The wildcat (Felis silvestris) physically resembles domesticated cats in most respects. Wild species are pale yellow to medium-brown with black stripes or spots. The underparts are light grey,and sometimes marked with black spots. Unlike most domestic cats, their nose colouring is mostly pink. ||
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 * European wildcats are primarily associated with forest and are found in highest numbers in broad-leaved or mixed forests with low densities of humans. In Slovakia, wild cat can be found on places where are preserved mature forest complexes with plenty of dnes and abbandoned burrows after other animals. For wild cat are typical mixed forests in the foothills or highlands. They live in the area of The Low Tatras. ||
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 * Rodents and rabbits are the staple of the wildcat's diet, with birds of secondary importance, although a variety of small prey is taken, and wildcats also scavenge. When living close to human habitations, wildcat can be a serious poultry predator. In the wild, wildcat consumes up to 600 grams of food daily.

Wildcats typically breed only once a year, although a second litter may be produced if the first dies early. They breed between February and March. In the wild, litter sizes range from one to five kittens, with three or four being the most common. The kittens weigh between 75 and 150 grams at birth. They are initially spotted, but the spots may fuse into stripes as the cat ages. The eyes open after seven to twelve days, and they begin to hunt live prey at ten to twelve weeks of age. They are fully weaned at two months, begin to live independently after about three months, and have dispersed to establish their own territories within a year, by which time they are sexually mature. || Wildcats range from 45 to 80 cm in length, and weigh between 3 and 6 kilograms. Shoulder height averages about 35 cm and tail length is about 30 centimetres. ||
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 * Wildcats have the same range of vocalisations as domestic cats, including purring, meowing, hissing, and growling. Except during the mating season, however, they tend to be quiet animals, vocalising only when close to each other.
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45-80 cm from nose to tail ||
 * ** FAST FACTS: ** || ** WILDCAT ** ||
 * ** TYPE: ** || MAMMAL  ||
 * ** DIET: ** || CARNIVORE- rodents, birds...  ||
 * ** AVERAGE LIFESPAN: ** || 15 years ||
 * ** SIZE: ** || About 35 cm tall at the shoulder,
 * ** WEIGHT: ** || Between 3-6 kg ||
 * ** SPEED: ** || Up to km/h ||