The Borneo bay cat, also called the bay cat and Bornean cat, is closely related to the Asian golden cat. The cat’s behavior has been described as extremely secretive. It is rarely found in camera traps.

Conservation Status: Endangered, declining population

Scientific Name: Catopuma badia

About the Borneo Bay Cat

Physical Appearance

Bay cats are smaller than the Asian golden cat. They have vibrant, chestnut colored fur with dark stripes that come down from each eye. Stripes can also be seen on the cheeks. The fur beneath the cat’s chin is white. The tip of the cat’s tail is black. Bornean bay cats are approximately 19 to 20 inches long and weight between 6 and 9 lbs.

Territory

Borneo bay cats are native to Indonesia and Malaysia. The cat lives mostly in forests.

Hunting and Prey

Very little is known about the cat, including its hunting behavior and prey.

Reproduction

Litter size is unknown. Longevity is unknown.

Conservation

The Borneo bay cat population is estimated at only 2,200 mature individuals. The most pressing conservation issue for the bay cat is the loss of habitat due to deforestation. Other threats include residential and commercial development, hunting, trapping, logging, agriculture and livestock framing and ranching.