Fishing Cat: Prionailurus viverrina

The fishing cat inhabits marshy thickets, mangrove swamps and densely vegetated areas along creeks. The fishing cat may be found in the marshes and swamps of southern and southeastern Asia. He is specifically adapted to this kind of habitat. This cat hunts by day, in the water and from the ground. His normal diet consists of fish, crayfish, mollusks, rodents, reptiles and other small animals. It is the best swimmer of all cats. He may catch fish by patiently waiting and using its long claws as fishhooks. They catch their prey by crouching on a rock or sandbank, using their claws to spear fish and scoop them out of the water. Fishing cats often wade in shallows and do not hesitate to swim in deep water. The fishing cat has a long, sinuous body, almost civet-like in appearance. It possesses a short, often ringed black tail. This tail makes up for less than a third of its overall length. This tail is particularly thick near the base. The forepaws have unusually long phalanges (toes) and claws. Its claws extend considerably from their sheaths even when fully retracted. These claws are visible at all times, since the Fishing cat is apparently not able to fully retract his claws into the protective sheath on the foot. There is webbing on all four feet, which aid it in swimming and scooping dinner from the water. This webbing is particularly well developed on the front feet. The fishing cat will also use his paws and claws to probe for a meal similar to that of raccoons. The meal is then usually taken to a secluded spot to be eaten. Its coat is light brown with dark brown irregular spots. This coloring fading to white underneath. Its face has lines running from the forehead, over the crown and neck. The fur is short and coarse. The backs of its ears are black with white patches. The female fishing cat has a gestation period of 63 days, and a litter of 1-4 young. These kittens are born in a den, which is usually concealed in a reed bed. The quickness of their growth is apparent. They are born blind, with their eyes opening in about two weeks. They leave the den at just over a month old. By two months they are beginning to eat solid food. They are considered to be fully grown by nine months.

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