Posted by Robert Dilley on October 22, 1997 at 16:21:18:
In Reply to: What is your "wild cat"? posted by COOT on October 22, 1997 at 10:49:59:
I had never imagined the "wild cat" of Wild Cat Island being other than the feral cat *Felis sylvestris* that is still to be found in parts of Scotland. The term is also used as a metaphor for a hot-tempered, excitable individual -- from the characteristic behaviour of the European wild cat in contrast to that of the typical domestic cat. Presumably Captain Flint had Nancy in mind more than the tabby-like Peggy.