All Animals

Fishing Cat

Prionailurus viverrinus
Mammal

Step into the world of our fishing cats and unlock the wonders of these extraordinary creatures.

A fishing cat peering through foliage at Hamilton Zoo

The fishing cat is a “small” cat of medium size and stocky build, with short legs, a short tail, and a face that is round but elongated. 

Fishing cats communicate with guttural growls, hisses, and a low, demanding meow. During courtship, they make a sound that is called chittering.

Fishing cats are solitary and largely territorial animals, living by themselves and only coming together to find a mate. The territory of a male typically overlaps those of a number of females within the area.  

Quick facts

Distribution:

Southeast Asia

Habitat:

Wetlands, marshlands, mangroves

Conservation Status:

Endangered

Fun fact

When it swims, the fishing cat is able to use its flattened, short tail like a rudder, to help control its direction