Hybridisation with wildcats Feral cats have interbred with wildcats to various extents throughout the world, the first reported case occurring more than 200 years ago. The significance of hybridisation is disputed. Modern genetic analysis revealed that the African wildcat is the ancestor of the domestic cat. Pure Scottish wildcats are unlikely to exist, but the current wildcat population is distinct enough from domestic cats to be worth protecting. High levels of hybridisation have led to difficulties in distinguishing pure wildcats from feral and domestic cats, which can complicate conservation efforts. Trap-neuter-return programs have been established to prevent hybridisation. Notable gene introgression into European wildcat populations exists also in Italy, Hungary, Spain and Portugal. References Further reading The juvenile fantasy series Warriors is set in a society of feral cat colonies, called "Clans." External links Cats Cat types Cat, Feral