It began like many other rescue stories. In July, a tiny kitten was brought to the Animal and Nature Conservation Association in Neustadt near Coburg, Germany. Shy and seemingly distressed, the young creature caught the attention of the carers, who quickly took it in and provided a safe, nurturing environment. But soon, something seemed off.
"She would really attack us"
After a few weeks, the carers began to notice that the kitten's behaviour was unlike that of a typical domestic cat. At first, they were taken aback, but over time, the young animal’s true nature emerged.
"We realised she would really attack us," recalls a staff member from the association. This sparked a suspicion that the team was eager to confirm. Could it be a European wildcat?
To find out, they contacted a wildcat rescue centre and consulted an experienced forester. Ultimately, a genetic test provided the definitive answer: the kitten was indeed a rare European wildcat – a species found in the wild in Germany in only about 6,000 instances.
A wild animal with special needs
This revelation changed everything. The European wildcat has little in common with its domesticated relatives: it is solitary, nocturnal, and avoids human contact. The discovery of a wildcat in such a situation is rare and poses a unique challenge for the carers. They are now preparing to return the animal to its natural habitat as soon as possible.
For the Animal and Nature Conservation Association in Neustadt, this experience will be unforgettable. "It was an incredible experience to care for this animal," says one of the carers. However, the priority is clear: ensuring the kitten’s swift return to the wild, to preserve its natural instincts and independence.
These carers had certainly taken on more than they'd bargained for!
