noun
wildcat (species)
Refers to specific wildcat species such as the European wildcat, Iriomote cat, or Tsushima cat. Often used in zoological or conservation contexts.
See also: 対馬山猫 (つしまやまねこ) · 西表山猫 (いりおもてやまねこ)
西表島には絶滅危惧種のイリオモテヤマネコが生息している。
The endangered Iriomote wildcat lives on Iriomote Island.
noun
wild cat; stray cat
General term for any undomesticated or feral cat, including strays. Less precise than sense 1.
夜になると山猫が庭にやって来る。
At night, a stray cat comes into the garden.