Fishing Cats Rescued – Soon to be Released Back into Wild

After receiving a report that a “large cat” had been found and caged near a mangrove forest in Petchaburi, one hour north of the rescue centre, the WFFT rescue team was on the road again. When they arrived they found a male Fishing Cat, (Prionailurus viverrinus), being kept in a very small cage looking extremely thin and in poor condition. After speaking to the “owner” the WFFT established that the wild fishing cat had been captured and kept for 3 months after he had been seen eating livestock from the gentleman’s property. Unfortunately, since his capture, the cat hasn’t been fed correctly which means he is now extremely malnourished and in need of help to improve his health in preparation for his eventual release back to the wild. We expect the fishing cat will need two months to recover before release.

Fishing Cats, of the size of a medium dog, are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN’s red list which is due mainly to habitat loss. Fishing Cats live in marshlands to hunt for their food; fish, small mammals and birds and this land is being over-developed for agriculture whilst rivers are poisoned by industry. They are also hunted for their beautiful olive-grey striped coats and for meat. pictures and video on the Facebook page!