Wildcat Haven

The Scottish wildcat is now an endangered species and only to be found in inaccessible parts of the mountains of Scotland. It may look like a giant domestic tabby, but it is a formidable and fearless opponent of mankind. It is justly noted for being untameable.

The author became the custodian of two spitfire kittens, found abandoned in a ditch when only a few weeks old. Even before they were fully weaned they could be approached only with extreme care, usually with thick gauntlets as protection against the ravages of tooth and claw. The kittens were only seven months old when a spitting and snarling ten-year-old tomcat arrived from London Zoo to change all their lives.

Mike resolved to breed a wildcat family and prepare them for a return to the wild. In the years that followed, little of the scant scientific theory on wildcat behaviour was borne out by his careful observations.

One man's extraordinary adventures in raising and releasing no fewer than three litters, two pure wildcat and one hybrid from a domestic male gone wild, are full of incident, at times hilarious, and deeply moving. The runt of Cleo's second litter demolished Mike's last defences by giving him her total trust and affection while fiercely retaining an utterly wild and independent nature, so he became first to 'tame' a wildcat.

This unique story of communion between man and animal is taken from two books that have long been out of print - My Wilderness Wildcats and Liane, A Cat from the Wild - revised and updated by the author and illustrated with many new photographs, all in colour. 

• ISBN 978-1904445-75-3 
• 6.5 x 9.5 inches, softback  
• liberally illustrated 
• 192pp + 24pp colour section 

Item BS005 $ 31.95 US. Shipping included to North American addresses.

What the reviews say:

Mike Tomkies name is synonymous with the wildcat and he probably knows more about them in the wild than any other naturalist. ... The book reveals Mike's plans to breed a wildcat family and prepare them for a return to the wild, and it is a fascinating account. The photographs are excellent and really enhance the very readable text. Highland News

... His story is illuminating... ... ...the author's eventual taming of a wildcat kitten form a fascinating story which, still, very few people have been privileged to witness. ... ...Tomkies books must be the first port of call for anyone interested in Scottish wildcats. ...will be deeply appreciated by anyone with any interst in our native wildlife and its conservation. Habitat

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