Scottish Wild CatScottish vet, Jane Harley has is urging owners to neuter and vaccinate their cats in an attempt to help protect the countries wildcat population.

Jane said the species was at risk from contracting highly contagious conditions. Her warning came ahead of a major conference on wildcats in Aviemore. It has been estimated that there are 400 wildcats, but their survival has been threatened by interbreeding with domesticated cats and diseases they could be carrying. Ms Harley said: “I think that most people acknowledge that interbreeding is the biggest risk to wildcats, but many won’t have considered the serious risk to wildcats from diseases, which can be prevalent in feral cats.

“The feline leukaemia virus, for example, is a highly contagious cat disease which can be vaccinated against.

“For those domestic cat owners who would like to play their part in protecting the wildcat, my advice is to have their pet cats neutered and ensure that all vaccinations are up-to-date.”