wildcat crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "wildcat crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of potential answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution. Let's solve that puzzle together!
Solutions for "wildcat crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LYNX: A medium-sized wild cat native to North America, Europe, and Asia, characterized by its short tail and tufted ears.
PUMA: Also known as a cougar or mountain lion, this large, solitary wild cat is found throughout the Americas.
6 Letters
BOBCAT: A North American wild cat named for its short, "bobbed" tail, adaptable to various environments.
OCELOT: A nocturnal wild cat with distinctive spots and stripes, found in the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central, and South America.
COUGAR: A large American wild cat, identical to the puma, often found in mountainous or forested regions.
JAGUAR: The largest native cat species of the New World, known for its powerful build and rosette patterns on its fur.
7 Letters
CHEETAH: While primarily found in Africa and central Iran, this famously fast large cat is occasionally considered a 'wildcat' in broader contexts and could appear in a crossword.
More About "wildcat crossword clue"
The term "wildcat" in crosswords almost universally refers to a species of undomesticated feline. These clues often test your knowledge of various cat species from around the globe, ranging from the familiar LYNX and BOBCAT to more exotic options like the OCELOT or JAGUAR. The challenge often lies in matching the correct wildcat to the available letter count and any other descriptive words in the clue.
Understanding the habitat, size, or unique features of different wildcats can significantly aid in solving these clues. For instance, a clue mentioning "South American wildcat" would steer you towards answers like PUMA or OCELOT, while "North American wildcat with tufted ears" clearly points to LYNX. Keep an eye out for these subtle hints to pinpoint the precise answer the puzzle setter is looking for.
Beyond literal felines, "wildcat" can sometimes appear in idiomatic phrases, such as a "wildcat strike" (an unofficial strike) or "wildcat well" (an exploratory oil well). However, for general "wildcat crossword clue" entries without additional context, assume it's referring to an animal.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always double-check the required number of letters for the answer. This is your primary filter for "wildcat" clues, narrowing down possibilities immensely.
- Examine the Full Clue: Look for any additional descriptive words. Does it mention a continent, a specific characteristic (e.g., "spotted," "large," "mountain dwelling")? These details are goldmines for distinguishing between similar answers like PUMA and COUGAR.
- Check Crossing Letters: The most reliable way to confirm a "wildcat" answer is by verifying its letters against already solved crossing words. If a letter doesn't fit, your "wildcat" answer is incorrect.
- Consider Commonality: Some wildcats (like LYNX, BOBCAT, PUMA) are more common in crosswords than others. If you're stuck, start with the more frequently used answers first.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'wildcat' in the context of crosswords?
In crosswords, 'wildcat' refers to any undomesticated feline species. Common answers range from smaller felines like LYNX, BOBCAT, and OCELOT to larger ones like COUGAR, PUMA, or JAGUAR. The specific answer depends on the letter count and other accompanying clues.
How can I determine the correct 'wildcat' answer from multiple possibilities?
Always consider the number of letters required for the answer first. Then, look for additional words in the clue that might hint at a specific type of wildcat (e.g., 'Andean wildcat' for PUMA, 'spotted wildcat' for OCELOT, 'North American wildcat' for BOBCAT). Checking crossing letters you already have is also crucial.
Are there any common trick clues for 'wildcat'?
Sometimes 'wildcat' might refer to something non-feline, like 'wildcat strike' (an unofficial strike) or a 'wildcatter' (someone who drills for oil in unproven areas). However, in most standard crosswords, especially if it's just 'wildcat' or 'untamed feline', it refers to an animal.