Recently, a thoughtful individual in Germany rescued an adorable stray kitten from the roadside, only to discover that it was not only exceptionally lively but also refused to eat any cat food. Concerned, the person took the kitten to a shelter for professional examination, where they were astonished to find out that this seemingly cute little cat was actually a critically endangered species known as the “European wildcat”.
According to media reports, this bizarre incident took place early last month in Bergheim, a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. A resident came across the kitten wandering alone on a rural road, found it irresistibly cute, and decided to adopt it to prevent it from roaming the streets.
Upon bringing the kitten home, the individual noticed its abnormal hyperactivity and occasional aggressive behavior, along with its refusal to eat any type of cat food. Suspecting that it might be ill or have suffered abuse from a previous owner, they took the kitten to a local animal shelter called “Tierheim Bergheim” to seek assistance from professionals.
Initially, the shelter staff also assumed it was just a cute domestic cat. However, upon seeing its small paws, they were startled and immediately identified it as a rare European wildcat, also known as the European wildcat or jungle cat.
This species is native to regions such as Europe and Turkey, belonging to the small cat family. Its most distinctive feature is the ringed tail with a black tip. Although they bear a resemblance to domestic cats, European wildcats are actually protected wildlife species in many regions, categorized as “critically endangered” due to habitat loss, diseases, and interbreeding with domestic cats, leading to a sharp decline in their population and even extinction in some areas.
The shelter later posted a heartwarming video of the kitten on its Facebook page, announcing that due to its wild nature, the kitten would soon be transferred to the wildlife center “Retscheider Hof” in Bonn for the best possible care.
Retscheider Hof, located in the southern part of North Rhine-Westphalia, specializes in caring for injured or orphaned wildlife. A spokesperson for the center stated, “Currently, this wildcat is living with another of its kind at the center until they are old enough to be released back into the wild. We are dedicated to ensuring these two little animals live as comfortably as possible.”
Tierheim Bergheim shelter urged the public not to take these cats resembling European wildcats found outdoors home on their own, as they have different behaviors from typical domestic cats and are unsuitable for human care. They recommended promptly reporting such sightings to wildlife authorities for professional intervention and handling.