Wampus Cat

• Type: Magical Beast
• Native To: North America (Pottermore)
• Related To: Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (as a house symbol) (Pottermore)

The Wampus cat is a powerful magical beast native to North America. It is described as a panther-like creature that is incredibly fast, strong, and almost impossible to kill. (Pottermore) Its most distinctive features are its glowing, yellow eyes, which possess a hypnotic quality capable of transfixing a victim. (Pottermore)

The Wampus cat is a formidable magical creature, possessing a range of powerful abilities.

• Hypnotic Eyes: The creature can use its eyes to hypnotize and use Legilimency on its prey or those who threaten it. (Pottermore)
• Superhuman Speed and Strength: It is known for its incredible speed and physical power, making it a dangerous predator. (Pottermore)
• Near-Invulnerability: The Wampus cat is exceptionally difficult to subdue or kill. (Pottermore)
• Wand Core: The hair of a Wampus cat is a highly sought-after and powerful substance for use as a wand core. (Pottermore) The renowned American wandmaker Thiago Quintana pioneered the use of Wampus cat hair in the early 20th century, though the wands created from it were notoriously difficult to master. (Pottermore)

The Wampus cat is deeply embedded in the history of magic in North America, particularly in the founding of the Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. When Isolt Sayre fled to America, she encountered and befriended a Wampus cat, which she nicknamed “William.” The creature was instrumental in helping her and her family defeat the malevolent Gormlaith Gaunt. (Pottermore) In honour of this creature, Isolt's adopted son, Webster Boot, named one of the four houses of Ilvermorny “Wampus.” The Wampus house is said to represent the body of a witch or wizard and favors warriors. (Pottermore) Notable members of Wampus house include Webster Boot himself and the Auror Porpentina Goldstein. (Pottermore)

The Wampus cat does not appear or receive any mention in the original seven Harry Potter novels. Its entire lore is derived from supplementary materials, primarily the history of North American magic and the founding of Ilvermorny published on the Pottermore website. It serves to build the world of magic outside of Europe, establishing a distinct magical ecosystem and culture for the American wizarding community.

• The Wampus cat is inspired by a creature from American folklore, particularly the mythology of the Cherokee people, where it is depicted as a terrifying supernatural panther.
• The creature is included in the 2017 updated edition of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them textbook.
• In the video game Hogwarts Legacy, the Wampus cat appears as a formidable magical beast that can be encountered and fought in the wild. It possesses the ability to turn invisible before pouncing on its prey. (video game)