A new cat species was discovered in 2026.

Since 1923, there have been 17 different U.S. presidents and more than 125 sovereign countries have been added to the world map. But during that same time, not a single new cat species was discovered — until now. Researchers have confirmed the existence of Leopardus tilcayo, a feline native to the forests of Bolivia.

Proof of this groundbreaking discovery comes in the form of a tiny, skittish feline named Tigrino, who’s been a resident of Bolivian wildlife sanctuaries since 2016. The cat boasts leopardlike spots, measures just 18 inches from its head to the base of its tail, and weighs a mere 3 pounds, making it smaller than a typical housecat. 

Initially, scientists assumed the cat was part of an extant species known as Leopardus tigrinus. But upon closer inspection, biologist Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz realized Tigrino’s spots were subtly larger than the other species’ markings in old reference photos. That minor visual distinction led to  years of genetic testing that uncovered a more discernable genetic gap, thus confirming Tigrino was evidence of a brand new cat species.