A groundbreaking discovery has been made in the frozen landscapes of Siberia: the incredibly well-preserved mummy of a newborn saber-toothed cat, dating back at least 35,000 years. Unearthed from the permafrost, this tiny, nearly intact kitten—complete with whiskers and claws—offers a rare and invaluable glimpse into the life of this now-extinct predator.
The preservation of the kitten’s head, upper body, and skeletal remains, including pelvic bones, femur, and shin bones, allowed researchers to conduct an in-depth analysis. Published in Scientific Reports, the study reveals that the kitten was just three weeks old when it died in what is now Russia’s Sakha Republic (Yakutia). While the cause of its death remains unclear, the remarkable preservation has allowed scientists to gain unprecedented insights into this ancient species.
The discovery is a significant milestone for paleontologists, as well-preserved saber-toothed cat remains are extremely rare. This specimen belongs to Homotherium latidens, a species that roamed across the globe during the Pliocene and early Pleistocene epochs. Although Homotherium was believed to have dwindled by the end of the Pleistocene, this mummy pushes the species’ timeline further into the Late Pleistocene, suggesting a wider range and longer existence than previously thought.
The tiny mummy also offers compelling evidence of how H. latidens adapted to Ice Age conditions. A comparison with a modern lion cub of the same age revealed striking differences. The saber-toothed kitten’s paws were broader, lacking the carpal pads typical of modern felines—an important adaptation for moving across snowy terrains. Its thick fur, designed to provide insulation against freezing temperatures, further supports its adaptation to a harsh, icy environment. Additional comparisons revealed that the kitten had a larger mouth, smaller ears, and a significantly thicker neck than a modern lion cub, with longer forelimbs and darker hair. These features, previously seen in adult Homotherium, are confirmed to have been present even at the neonatal stage.
Radiocarbon dating of the kitten’s fur places its age between 35,000 and 37,000 years. Discovered along the banks of the Badyarikha River in Yakutia in 2020, this find provides the first detailed description of H. latidens‘ physical characteristics, including its fur texture, muzzle shape, and muscle mass distribution. The specimen’s claws and whiskers (vibrissae) remain remarkably intact, though its eyelashes were not preserved. This extraordinary find opens a window into the Pleistocene era, offering a wealth of new information about this long-extinct species.
The discovery is just the beginning of a deeper scientific investigation. Researchers plan to publish additional studies, exploring the mummy’s anatomical features in greater detail and uncovering more secrets from this fascinating relic of the Ice Age.
