Fishing cats are specialised semi-aquatic felids from South Asian wetlands. Their welfare in zoo settings requires adequate water access, fish-based diets, and management of their shy but potentially aggressive temperament.
Fishing cat welfare is fundamentally an aquatic welfare question. A fishing cat without adequate swimming and diving opportunities is denied its most distinctive natural behaviour. Water features in fishing cat exhibits must be deep enough for full submersion and large enough for swimming locomotion. The foraging opportunity of catching fish in a pool — even if not dependent on it for nutrition — provides enrichment that engages natural predatory behaviour. Fishing cats are often kept in generalist felid facilities without adequate water provision, creating a welfare deficit analogous to keeping an otter without swimming access. Their shy temperament means excessive visitor proximity or noise causes chronic stress; quiet, vegetated exhibits with visitor distance management are welfare-positive.