Fishing Cat

 


Fishing cats are the quarter horses of the small wild cats. They are stocky and robust.
Fishing Cat Male

The fishing cat, (Prionailurus viverrinus), is a heavily-bodied cat that with rounded ears and a brick-red nose. Females can weight about 15-20 lb. at maturing, while males can be 20-30 lb. The body pelage is a medium gray with darker black spots sometimes arranged in rows. Lines from the neck to the forehead form a rosette on the forehead. The head is broad and expressive. There is some webbing between the front toes. The fishing cat is found in wet, marshy areas and along streams. It catches fish, frogs, snakes and other animals that live in and around the streams. The urine of the male often has a strong odor. Fishing cats produce small litters of 1 to 4 but usually the smaller numbers. Gestation is about 63 days. In Captivity Fishing cats are not difficult to keep in captivity especially if they are born in captivity. The males have a strong odor to their urine if they are not neutered. As pets, an owner needs a deep understanding of their nature and why they do the things they do. They are trainable cats of a slower moving nature but are motivated by positive reinforcement In captivity, they are able to catch bugs, mice, etc. They need an owner who keeps track of their whereabouts at all times. Cats find many household pesticides and chemicals, extremely toxic, sometimes to the point of death. Dog products cannot be used on them for fleas, etc. You must animal proof your home before you add an exotic or even domestic cat to it.

Fishing cat female - pregnant or chubby?.
Chunk
Pregnant Female

All exotic cats should be trained to a leash and collar or harness when it is young so it will be able to take walks outside. You may never let an exotic cat run free outside, even in your own back yard. We recommend declawing for all exotic cats kept in captivity as education animals or pet/companions. A cat that is not declawed will tear your house to ribbons and scratch you also even in play. We declaw ours at 5 to 6 weeks when it is less stressful to the cat and healing is rapid. Also, the animal does not have strong self-cleaning instincts developed as yet and will not 'worry' the surgery sites. These animals must be neutered to curb behaviors related to sexual hormone stimuli. These cats need play time due to their predatory nature. Games can be played with them that will help curb these natural predatory behaviors. They must have an outlet for their energy. They must be socialized as kittens or they will be unsociable when strangers are present. They may stalk or watch young children. Caution must be exercised at all times with these cats and they must never be taken for granted. We give full detailed diet and care instructions with all kittens we produce.

 

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