Tiny wild cat settles in at custom enclosure

A male rusty-spotted cat has taken his first steps in his new purpose-built enclosure.

Kuda, who weighs less than 2.2lb (1kg), became the first occupant of the 16ft (5m)-high outdoor enclosure at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent.

The project is part of conservation efforts for the "near-threatened" animal, which is the world's smallest wild cat species.

"Over the past week of close monitoring he has really warmed up to his surroundings and is now exploring with his usual confidence," said the sanctuary's Ian Jones.

The nocturnal animals - native to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal - are about half the size of domestic cats, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Keepers reported Kuda had spent his first morning climbing the enclosure's elevated walkway and structures, and was "settling in exceptionally well".

The team is seeking a female breeding partner for Kuda, which Jones described as a "crucial step in supporting the global breeding programme for the species".

He said: "The rusty-spotted cat faces growing threats in the wild from deforestation and human encroachment, making captive breeding efforts vital to safeguard their long-term survival."

The Big Cat Sanctuary announced in June that its rusty-spotted cat conservation centre would join the species's international breeding programme.

Additional reporting by PA Media

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