Once upon a time in Thailand, a hardworking man was making his way home from work. As he walked, something caught his eye – a tiny creature on the street. Upon closer inspection, he discovered it was a helpless kitten, barely making a peep since birth.
Filled with compassion, the man knew he couldn’t leave the vulnerable kitten all alone. So, he scooped it up and decided to take it home, giving it the love and care it needed. It was evident that this little one wouldn’t have survived on its own out there.
Safe in its new home, the kitten was nurtured with warm milk from a bottle and showered with all the attention it deserved. In no time, it started to thrive and found solace in its loving environment.
But as the kitten grew, the man noticed something peculiar – it didn’t quite resemble a typical house cat. Curiosity sparked, the man decided to seek professional advice and consulted a veterinarian. And what they discovered was extraordinary.
This adorable kitten turned out to be a fishing cat! For those unfamiliar, the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a unique and rare species found in South and Southeast Asia. Not only can it grow up to twice the size of a regular cat, but it also has a natural knack for aquatic life. It earned its name from its remarkable ability to skillfully hunt and devour fish.
Intriguingly, the fishing cat has become vulnerable due to the destruction of its natural habitat. Since 2016, it has been listed as a species of concern on the IUCN Red List, mainly due to the rampant destruction of wetlands, resulting in a rapid decline in its population.
This incredible creature boasts a sleek coat of grayish fur, adorned with distinct markings perfectly spaced across its body. Its back showcases neat rows of small black or dark brown patterns of various sizes.
With adulthood, the fishing cat can have a tail length ranging from 25 to 33 cm, a body length of 75 to 86 cm, and a weight between 8 to 14 kg. Its elongated legs end with partially webbed toes and sharp, semi-retractable claws.
Yet, the tale of Simba, as the man named him, doesn’t end there. Simba’s survival is not just a matter of luck; it plays a pivotal role in preserving the welfare of his species.
In Thailand, fishing cats face the grim reality of poaching and retribution killing, resulting in an alarming mortality rate of 84%. Thus, Simba’s thriving existence represents hope for the future of fishing cats.
Remember, our precious animals, just like us, are living beings, and their survival is crucial for the well-being of our planet. If you believe in safeguarding their existence, please share this heartwarming article. Together, we can make a difference.
