Fishing cats are medium-sized wild cats adapted for aquatic environments. Providing appropriate enrichment in zoos must reflect their unique hunting style and water-based lifestyle.
Fishing cats in zoos have specialized needs that go beyond typical felid husbandry. Deep water features allowing swimming and diving are essential — a pool of sufficient depth and area for active swimming is a baseline requirement, not a luxury. Fish and aquatic prey items should be offered in water to enable natural hunting behavior. Without adequate water enrichment, fishing cats show stereotypic pacing, reduced activity, and behavioral indicators of frustration. They are solitary and can be aggressive toward conspecifics except during managed breeding. As nocturnal animals, their peak activity occurs when zoo facilities are typically closed — nighttime viewing programs or shifted light cycles improve the alignment between animal behavior and visitor experience. Positive reinforcement training enables voluntary veterinary participation and reduces handling stress.