Also known as Bay Cat, or BB for me.
Unlike the last few, this guy is actually in Southern Asia, instead of South America. Also, unlike the leopard genus the last few were in, this one is in the Bay Cat lineage, which is older than the leopard genus.
These guys live in Borneo, but the Bay part of their name is actually in reference to their colors, being a rusty red or deep tan. Unfortunately, my baby is a dark tabby, but that doesn't make her less adorable.
As with most cats, they are silent and sneaky and researchers only see them when they want to be seen. Which isn't often. So, again, most of the information on them is photographs. It's even harder because they are mostly nocturnal and solitary. Personally, I vote we just send a cat-lady over and she can adopt them all. My mistress Squirrel says I'm not allowed to volunteer, but if it meant I could possibly cuddle one of these guys, I'm in.
One of the interesting features about these cats that we do know of, is that they are about 19-26 inches long, but their tails are 12-16 inches, making their tails have as long as them. I'd try to get a measure on my kittens, but they say they're too busy playing and not interested in this. On the other hand, I did do a measurement of this baby, who is very new and adorable, and his length (minus tail) is equal to the current circumference of his stomach. That's a talent. Mostly on the mom's side, but still.
Back to the Bay cats though...They got discovered in the 1800's, but none were caught until the 1990's. Furthermore, after 13 years of recordings, there was only one picture of a Borneo Bay Cat found. Most of the studies about these cats comes from skeletons and skins that got found. There are none of these cats in zoos, because there haven't been caught enough.
This picture is from Big Cat Rescue.
They seem pretty similar to the Asian Gold cat and another similar cat, but genetics tells a different story. These Bay Cats are pretty much on their own. Throwbacks to a different age, or some such. Isn't that cool?
Despite the mystery, this cat is still very much a cat, as you can see here, in the picture from the Monga Bay link below.
That last picture reassures me that my kitten is named well. They have a mysterious and graceful namesake to look up to, but they can also be the absolutely ridiculous kitten I know they are. Thanks for reading, I hope to see you again soon to talk about either the Aussies or the Cubs litters.
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