At the Bird Market in Jakarta, you can find (and buy) hundreds of domestic cats. This cat is not one of them. The man who was selling it called it a “forest cat,” but we believe it’s an Asiatic Golden Cat, a species of small wild cats found in Sumatra. Though this species is not classified as threatened, its natural habitats are rapidly disappearing due to deforestation. The wild animal trade only exacerbates the problem.
This little guy is pictured with our friend, Jessica, a naturalist who thinks the cat is only a few weeks old. The cat — a nervous bundle of soft fur and sharp claws — was being held in a tiny cage at the noisy, polluted roadside market. You can read more about the market here: As birdsongs fill Jakarta’s streets, Indonesia’s forests fall silent
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About Katherine
Katherine lived on four different continents before settling in to Washington, D.C., to raise her family. She works at a global think tank during the day and raises twin boys the rest of the time.
When she isn't working on a spreadsheet for work, she loves walking in the forest with her family, which invariably involves stomping in puddles and climbing on logs. Though she is less of a world traveler these days, she continues to seek out adventures, from exploring D.C.'s museums and playgrounds to taking road trips to national parks. When it's time to unwind, she can be found snuggling with her husband on the couch.
Likes: adventures, sleeping past 7 a.m., being surrounded by forests, the sound of her boys laughing, and locally made ice cream.
Dislikes: whining, the patriarchy, and people who judge parents/kids.
At the Bird Market in Jakarta, you can find (and buy) hundreds of domestic cats. This cat is not one of them. The man who was selling it called it a “forest cat,” but we believe it’s an Asiatic Golden Cat, a species of small wild cats found in Sumatra. Though this species is not classified as threatened, its natural habitats are rapidly disappearing due to deforestation. The wild animal trade only exacerbates the problem.
Katherine and Bruno's Adventures 
Oh Katherine, I love these posts.
I am glad that you include photos. I can only imagine the hapless expat who purchases the “cute kitty” and finds him/herself WAY over his oe her head in a few months time. Then what?
You mentioned a few months ago discussing further about domestic help. Please do. I am curious.
More, more, more!!! I love every word!!
Correction: We now think this is a Leopard Cat, which are not endangered though their habitats are also threatened. They are hunted for their fur in China.
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