Fishing cat
By:Gracie Wade
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Genus: Prionailurus
Scientific Name: Prionailurus viverrinus
Common Name: Fishing cat
Key Information
The fishing cat is in the cat family. They are found throughout south-east Asia and prefer dense, wetland habitats. The wetland provides dense vegetation, which provides cover from potential predators and prey. Fishing cats are nocturnal and hunt for food in the water at night. They are carnivorous and eat fish, shellfish, and snakes due to their ability to swim. Fishing cats live solitarily and are nocturnal. They usually move on land by walking, but are able to dive and swim in the water to catch prey.
Endangered status
Fishing cats are currently endangered due to their habitat loss, poachers, larger carnivores, and the loss of food in lakes and rivers because of over fishing.
Interesting facts
The paws of a fishing cat are slightly webbed, which help them scoop fish out of the water.
Kittens Learning to Fish-Cincinnati Zoo