Fishing Cat
The fishing cat is a medium-sized wild cat strongly associated with wetlands — mangroves, marshes, rivers, and streams — across South and Southeast Asia. As its name suggests, it is an expert fisher, using its partially webbed paws to scoop fish from the water. Vulnerable to extinction, it has become a flagship species for wetland conservation in India and is particularly associated with the Sundarbans.
Average Length
57-78 cm
Average Weight
5-16 kg
Lifespan
10-12 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Quick Facts
Fishing cats are strong swimmers and have partially webbed feet adapted for aquatic hunting.
They are one of the few wild cat species that actively hunt in water.
The Sundarbans and the wetlands of West Bengal are key habitats for this species.
Habitat & Range
Habitats
Regions
Behavior & Reproduction
Activity Pattern
Nocturnal
Social Structure
Solitary
Gestation Period
63 days
Litter Size
2
Predators
Tigers, Leopards, Humans
