A rare cat lives on the highest mountain peak in the world.

A field team of scientists recently made an incredible and heartwarming discovery: rare cats living on Mount Everest!

In 2019, two elusive Pallas’s cats, commonly referred to as manuls, were discovered living on the Southern Flank of Mount Everest. This newfound discovery is a major boon to researchers and conservationists and also incredibly adorable to the rest of the world.

Pallas’s cats, native to Mount Everest, have a similar size to the average house cat, yet still have some distinct differences. They have stubby legs and a thick coat of fur, giving them a cuddly, stuffed animal-like appearance. Despite their fluffy exterior, they are actually quite light due to their fur, which serves as insulation against cold temperatures. Their short legs are especially useful for climbing rocky surfaces and crevices, making them perfectly suited for their mountain home. Despite their cute looks, they can be aggressive and should not be kept as pets. Nevertheless, photos of these animals are sure to bring happiness to all who see them.

The cartoon-like appearance of their wide faces and large ears, hopping around Mount Everest and going about their day, makes them seem like characters from a comic book.

Dr. Tracie Seimon of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Zoological Health Program expressed her amazement at uncovering evidence of this rare and remarkable species at the top of the world in an article for the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Research in the future will attempt to determine the precise population of Pallas’s cats living on Mount Everest, as well as efforts to ensure their protection and continued survival.