About

Leopardus tilcayo, commonly called the tilcayo, is a newly identified species of wild cat found in Bolivia's Yungas forest, a mountainous cloud-forest region. Its identification marked the first time in more than a century that a new living feline species had been formally named and described.

News of the discovery quickly spread across social media, where users reacted with excitement and repeatedly used the catchphrase new cat dropped in posts celebrating the newly identified species.

Origin

The tilcayo was identified during research into tiger cats in South America, which had previously been considered a single species. Researchers analyzed DNA from 38 cats sampled across several South American countries, including eight museum specimens, and determined that tiger cats comprise five genetically distinct species.^[1]

After researchers confirmed it as a distinct species through genetic analysis, it was given the scientific name Leopardus tilcayo, retaining the name used by local communities. The cat measures approximately 18 inches (46 cm) long and weighs around 3 pounds (1.4 kg), making it smaller than an average domestic cat.^[1]

On September 17th, 2026, X^[2] account @NatGeo announced the discovery of Leopardus tilcayo. The post described it as the first new living feline species formally named and described in more than a century and received 71.9 million views and 378,000 likes in approximately four days.

Minutes later, TikTok^[3] account @natgeo shared the same announcement, highlighting the small, spotted cat and its habitat in Bolivia’s cloud forest. The post received 1.7 million views and 174,600 likes in approximately four days.

The same day, TikTok^[4] account @abcnews reported on the discovery, noting that Leopardus tilcayo is the first new cat species in more than a century and describing its small size, leopard-like spots and Bolivian Yungas habitat. The video received 1.9 million views and 330,000 likes in a similar timeframe.

Spread

Later that evening, X^[5] account @NatGeo followed up with photos of the tilcayo and noted that experts believe more undiscovered cat species may exist around the world. The post received 11.7 million views and 168,000 likes in approximately four days.

On September 17th, 2026, X^[6] user @heavyfortress quote-posted NatGeo’s announcement with the caption “NEW CAT DROPPED,” expressing excitement over the newly identified species. The post received 7.7 million views and 245,000 likes in about four days.

Soon after, X^[7] user @pastapilled quote-posted the NatGeo follow-up with the caption “Never kill yourself they might discover new kitty,” celebrating the discovery. The post received 3.1 million views and 229,000 likes in the same timeframe.

On September 18th, 2026, X^[8] user @SWAGVO1D shared original artwork inspired by the discovery with the caption “new cat dropped,” quoting NatGeo’s original announcement. The post received 994,000 views and 99,000 likes in approximately three days.

Later that day, TikTok^[9] user @kasefx posted an edit captioned "new cat just dropped." The video received 1.3 million views and 471,000 likes.

That evening, TikTok^[10] user @lexkomi shared a moodboard-style video celebrating the newly identified species as “the cutest little guy.” The post received 811,000 views and 190,000 likes in about three days.

Shortly afterward, TikTok^[11] user @servvaline posted an affectionate reaction to the discovery, greeting the tilcayo as a “new kitty cat.” The video received 508,000 views and 109,000 likes in the same time.

Various Examples

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External References