Known as a wild cat - Felis silvestris -, it's an endangered species, being one of the last wild felines in Portugal.

Larger in size than the domestic cat, the wild cat's fur color may vary from gray to brown. It is characterized by its black stripes that carries in the sides and ends of the body, besides having short and rounded ears and big green eyes. 

According to reports, it is possible to find this feline in regions of the North and South of the country. However, as the wild rabbit, it's not an easy task. Its reduced population and nocturnal habits, make it difficult to see the wild cat in the daylight, when it spends most of the time near the trees and burrows.

According to professor Pedro Monterroso of the University of Porto, in the documentary Cat Diversity, from National Geographic (2008), "normally, wild cats are solitary animals, but receptive to other cats that approach their territory. However, they keep away from humans".

In Porto city it is possible, although difficult, to find the wild cat in natural parks, as in the case of Parque da Cidade. Definitely worth a shot!

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Author: Larissa Souza
Edited by: Pedro Valente Lima