Connections made when wild cat is heard (5)
I believe the answer is:
links
'connections' is the definition.
(I know this)
'wild cat is heard' is the wordplay.
'wild cat' becomes 'lynx' (wild cat species).
'is heard' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'lynx' is a homophone of 'LINKS'.
'made when' is the link.
(Other definitions for links that I've seen before include "Connects, ties in" , "Bonds" , "Ties; golf course" , "Golf course on sandy ground near a shore" , "Connecting parts" .)