The term “wildcat” serves as a broad, non-scientific label for any small to medium-sized undomesticated feline. These solitary, often nocturnal hunters encompass a wide array of species across the globe, from the North American Bobcat to the European Wildcat. The question of what to call a group of these animals leads into the curious history of collective nouns, which are often archaic and more poetic than practical. While collective nouns for animals are rarely used in biological study, they offer a fascinating glimpse into historical language and observation.
The Collective Noun for Wildcats
The most widely cited collective noun for a generic group of wild cats is a “destruction.” This dramatic term reflects the predatory nature and potential impact of these powerful felines in the wild. However, this term is not part of common scientific or conservation language, as most wildcat species are solitary and rarely congregate. In any serious context, a group of wildcats is much more likely to be referenced simply as a “group” or “population.” Some sources also suggest using “clowder” or “glaring,” terms primarily reserved for domestic or feral cats. The application of “destruction” or other colorful terms is largely linguistic tradition rather than a reflection of typical feline social structure.
Collective Nouns for Related Small Cat Species
Bobcats
A group of Bobcats is sometimes referred to as a “clowder,” “clutter,” or a “pounce.” These terms often contradict the Bobcat’s behavior, as they are highly territorial and typically only associate for breeding or when a mother is raising her kittens. Another whimsical option cited for Bobcat gatherings is a “tantrum.”
Lynx
For the Lynx, a small cat found across the Northern Hemisphere, one collective term is a “solitude,” which accurately captures the animal’s highly solitary and secretive nature. Other, less common terms include a “gaze” or a “chain” of lynxes. The use of “solitude” is descriptive of the species’ natural history, even if a group is seldom observed.
Ocelots
The Ocelot, a beautifully spotted feline of the Americas, is also largely solitary, but historical terms have been applied to its potential gatherings. These include a “glaring” or an “ambush” of ocelots, referencing their piercing gaze and stealthy hunting style. A highly unusual, though documented, term for a group of ocelots is a “urination,” and the term “pizzazz” has also been suggested. These varied and often contradictory names illustrate the general lack of consensus for collective nouns applied to solitary species.
Understanding the Naming Conventions
The tradition of assigning unique collective nouns to groups of animals has deep historical roots, dating back to the late medieval period. Many of these terms were formalized and popularized in fifteenth-century English hunting literature. The most famous of these texts is The Book of St. Albans. These names, often called “terms of venery,” were created for the entertainment and instruction of the aristocracy who engaged in hunting and hawking. The collective nouns were designed to be witty, descriptive, or poetic, reflecting an animal’s perceived characteristics or behavior, rather than being scientifically accurate classifications. This linguistic tradition explains why terms like “destruction” exist for animals that rarely form groups in nature.