The Cretan wildcat is a member of the genus Felis. Its taxonomic status is unclear at present, as some biologists consider it probably introduced, or a European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris), or a hybrid between European wildcat and domestic cat (F. catus). It was previously considered a separate subspecies of wildcat as Felis silvestris cretensis.
Cretan wildcats are described to be light brown in color with dark spots and streaks. Their bushy tail has several black rings and is black on the tip.
Cretan wildcats are found on the Greek island of Crete where they inhabit remote forests in mountainous areas.
Little is known about the habits of Cretan wildcats in their natural habitat. In general, wildcats usually are active at night but can also be active during the day, especially in areas where there are not many humans. They often travel far at night seeking prey. Sight and hearing are the wildcat's primary senses when hunting. It lies in wait for prey, then catches it by executing a few leaps, which can span three meters. It kills small prey by grabbing it in its claws and piercing the neck or occiput with its fangs. When attacking large prey, it leaps upon the animal's back and attempts to bite the neck or carotid. It does not persist in attacking if prey manages to escape. Wildcats are mainly solitary, except during the mating period. Within its own territory, the wildcat deposits scent marks at different sites, and it may also leave visual markers on trees by scratching them as well as leaving scent through glands on its paws. They shelter in the hollows of fallen or old trees, rock fissures, and nests or earth that have been abandoned by other animals, never digging their own burrow. When threatened, they retreat into a burrow, rather than climb trees.
Like other wildcats, Cretan wildcats are carnivores. Their diet includes a wide variety of rodents, birds, and also hares, and insects.
Little information is available about the reproductive behavior of Cretan wildcats. Females are known to give birth to 4-7 kittens, once or twice a year. In general, wildcats have a polygynous mating system in which one male mates with more than one female during the breeding season. Their gestation period usually lasts for 60-68 days. The young start hunting alongside their mothers when they are 60 days old. The family disbands after about 5 months, the kittens going off to establish territories for themselves. Females become reproductively mature from about 6 months.
The main threats to Cretan wildcats include poisoning and hybridization with domestic cats.
According to IUCN Red List, the total population size and trend of the Cretan wildcat is unknown.
Wildcats play important role in their native ecosystem. Due to their diet habits they control populations of rodents and small mammals they prey on.
