Internet Reacts to Discovery of First New Cat Species in Over 100 Years

For the first time in over a century, researchers have identified a new cat species, and the adorable creature is taking the internet by storm.

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National Geographic shared a TikTok formally introducing Tigrino, a three-pound wildcat with leopard-like spots from Bolivia. However, after roughly a year of life, it became apparent the first-of-its-kind feline would be better suited for a sanctuary.

The caption explained that "A call from a wildlife sanctuary about a 'weird cat' has led to the first new cat species discovered in over 100 years." They added that the Leopardus tilcayo is "Smaller than an average housecat and covered in leopard-like spots, lives in Bolivia's Yungas forest ecoregion. Very little is known about its day-to-day life in the wild."

@natgeo

New cat alert! A call from a wildlife sanctuary about a "weird cat" has led to the first new cat species discovered in over 100 years. Smaller than an average housecat and covered in leopard-like spots, the cat species?proposed name Leopardus tilcayo?lives in Bolivia?s Yungas forest ecoregion, and very little is known about its day-to-day life in the wild. Its discovery is redrawing the branches of the cat family tree, and researchers hope the methods used to identify it could be used to find even more new cat species around the world. Learn more about this feline surprise at the ? in bio.

? original sound - National Geographic

Tigrino belongs to a species called tilcayo. Discovered in the cloud forests of the Andes Mountains in Bolivia, ticalyo is the first brand-new feline species added to the cat family tree since the pampas cat was described in 1923.

According to NBC News, "Leopardus tilcayo — or the tilcayo tiger cat — is slender and spotted, with rounded ears. It is smaller than a typical house cat. They live in the Bolivian Yungas, the cloud forest where the Andes Mountains meet the Amazon basin."

Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, who co-authored the study that discovered the new cat, spoke about the rare discovery.

"We really don't know how many cats are still in the wild. We need science; we need more studies to answer this question, which is actually critical for its conservation."

Internet Reacts to New Cat Species

Not much is known about the new feline species' aggression, but that hasn't stopped social media users from gushing over the tiny creature.

"I would definitely keep this one as a pet," one user wrote.

"Why friend-shaped if not friend?" another replied.

"So cute! I want one," an Instagram user commented.

Others were baffled that researchers are still discovering new species.

"New cat before GTA 6 is wild," someone joked.

"Bro was moving in silence for 100+ years," another replied.

"Can't believe we're still unlocking new cats in 2026," the Schlotzsky's official Instagram commented.