Pet owners have been advised to keep their animals safe, with animal welfare charity the RSPCA urging people to keep an eye on the forecast where they live and to plan ahead.
Campaigners have argued that breeds that are part wildcat are unsuitable for most pet owners owing to their complex needs, and put pressure on rare felines in the wild because an increased demand for these cats means some breeders resort to the illegal wildlife trade to find wildcats to breed from.