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Wednesday , November 4 2026

Rusty-spotted cat settles in at custom enclosure near Ashford

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, external, 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”.


BBC News

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