Tiny pair of world’s smallest cat breed born in UK

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A pair of the world’s smallest and rarest species of cat have been born in Britain.

The rusty-spotted cat measure around 35cm to 48cm in body length and at birth are no bigger than mice.

The kittens, which belong to an endangered species normally native to India and Sri Lanka, were born at an animal sanctuary in Cornwall.

Their birth was part of the Rusty Spotted Cat Conservation Breeding Programme at Porfell.

Staff are delighted at the chance to help protect and raise the cubs.

“Last summer we had the opportunity to take on a pair of Rusty-spotted cats, had an enclosure spare and were excited to have something so rare,” a spokesperson said.

“To our understanding, we are estimating that there are only around 50 of this species being kept in captivity across the world.

“The pair came from the Feral – Wild Animal Project run by Todd Dalton and are part of a breeding programme.

“The kittens are coming up to 8 weeks old and have been well looked after by mum.

“We are unsure of their gender as she’s so protective and doesn’t let us too near.

“They have only recently been spotted out of their den and seem to be getting more curious each day.

“They both seem very healthy and have started to show a little bit of personality.

“They’ve been giving our very small team a lot of joy during this all this uncertainty and put a smile on our faces each morning.”

The Covid-19 lockdown has left the sanctuary facing financial problems and they are appealing for help via their GoFundMe page.

SWNS