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The first new cat species discovered in 100 years

379 points · 148 comments · ohjeez

autoexec · 1789671867 · focus · HN ↗
It's Leopardus tilcayo aka 'tilcayo tiger cat' and it's very cute. Wikipedia doesn't have a page dedicated to it yet.
Bonus pics: <a href="https://www.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SEI_312819149.jpg" rel="nofollow">https://www.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SEI_...
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1. cromka · 1789689002 · focus · HN ↗
  Looks like a house cat, I am betting it's a matter of months before someone starts selling the crossbreds, like they do with Bengal.
  Also, they're only 3-4 lbs!
  1. ghaff · 1789760765 · focus · HN ↗
    All the wildcats (which basically include domestic cats) are very closely related based on my understanding. Even the whole box thing is related to a lot of wildcats having a liking for caves.
    jjtheblunt · 1789763461 · focus · HN ↗
    even as a kid we all liked little forts and boxes etc, which is itself interesting. snow caves were awesome; makes me wonder if it's a primeval instinct somehow.
    WalterBright · 1789776299 · focus · HN ↗
    All of a cat's senses and weapons face forward. It makes purfect sense to have its back protected from an attack from behind.

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