The Nayarit Ruffed Cat is a mystery cat, reported from Sierra de Nayarit, Mexico. Length, 4 feet 6 inches. Varying shades of brown. Dark stripes on flanks and upper legs. Lower limbs are dark brown to black. No facial markings. Large neck ruff that covers the ears. Long legs. Large, well-furred paws. Bright yellow, retractile claws. Tail, 18 inches long.
In 1940, Ivan Sanderson purchased two skins of this odd-looking cat in a mountain village in Nayarit State, Mexico, but they were later lost in a flood. He had seen another skin for sale in Colima the same year.