Fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) are one of the most unique and elusive wild cats in the world, renowned for their remarkable ability to hunt in water. Although they share similarities with other small cats, fishing cats have evolved a specialized skill set for fishing, making them stand out among their feline relatives.
How big are fishing cats?
Including their tails fishing cats are between 80-155cm long and weigh between 5-16kg. But don’t let size fool you. A fishing cat can see off an animal twice its weight. Indeed, while this shy carnivore would rather skulk around unseen, anyone who’s worked with the species would tell you that it knows how to put up a fight.
What do fishing cats look like?
The fishing cat is equipped with webbed feet, an unusually long head, short legs, a powerful tail (used like a rudder while swimming) and fur that forms an almost water-resistant coat. All of this is packaged in a small, leopard-spot-patterned body that weighs no more than your average corgi.
What do they sound like?
Fishing cats have a call that sounds a bit like a bark.
What do fishing cats eat?
Fishing cats eat mostly fish, but also crustaceans, small mammals, amphibians, birds and snakes; will occasionally take small livestock too.
How do fishing cats fish?
The fishing cat is a true angler. An individual will stand in the shallows, gently tapping the water’s surface with a paw to imitate the movements of insects – just like a fisherman casting a fly. Fish that are duped by this deception and move in for a meal instead find themselves on the menu.
But fishing cats don’t just hunt for fish – they’ll also ambush birds out on the water. They have been known to swim underneath coots, ducks and other waterfowl to grab them from below.
Where do fishing cats live?
Historically fishing cats ranged throughout South and South East Asia, and have been observed in places as far-reaching as Pakistan, Nepal, Thailand and Cambodia. Today they survive in only a few small, scattered populations, mostly in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Thailand. It favors wetlands, rivers and mangrove forest; prefers densely vegetated areas and can live at up to 1,500m in the Himalayan foothills.
The territory of one male, covering about 16-22km² will overlap those of several females, spanning 4- 6km²
Are fishing cats endangered?
The IUCN have classified fishing cats as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
This article by Debbie Graham was first published by Discover Wildlife on 10 March 2025.
What you can do
Wildlife continues to face threats, which include hunting, poaching, illegal trade in animal products, habitat loss as well as a rapidly changing climate.
Become a Wildlife Champion today by supporting our conservation partners with a monthly donation as little as $1.
Donate
Leave a Reply