Fishing Cat

Fishing Cat – Embracing Taboos

fishing cat illustration by Ravenari

Keywords:

Water power and water energy, using brunt to get your way, going against the grain, embracing taboos, night energy, using swimming and water play as a source of nourishment, wetland wisdom, the power of playfulness in short bursts, using standoffishness as a defense mechanism.

Description:

The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a medium and muscular wild cat of South and Southeast Asia. They prefer to live water, such as wetlands, along rivers, streams, lakes, mangroves, and swamps. They have yellow-grey fur that is adapted to the water, having layered fur and a short, dense layer to protect from water and keep them warm. They have a short tail compared to many other wild cats. While their paws are partially webbed (like the bobcat, and less than the leopard cat).

Fishing cats are mostly nocturnal. They can swim long distances, including underwater. They are generally solitary with large ranges. They usually vocalise through a ‘chucking’ sound, and also communicate through scent. Fishing cats primarily eat fish, and also eat insects, rodents, molluscs, reptiles, amphibians, and carrion. Fishing cats are Vulnerable and affected primarily by habitat destruction and hunting. They live for around 10 years in captivity.