Fishing cats are wetland specialists from South and Southeast Asia facing rapid habitat loss. Zoo programs support conservation efforts and provide welfare insights for these poorly understood felids.
Fishing cat welfare in zoos depends on providing adequate water features that satisfy their strong affinity for aquatic environments. Without deep, swimmable pools, fishing cats show frustration behaviors and reduced welfare indicators. Their solitary nature means individual housing management with carefully planned introductions for breeding. Enrichment must engage their unique fishing behavior — opportunities to catch prey in water, wade in shallow areas, and exercise their swimming ability are important. Zoo programs have contributed significantly to understanding fishing cat ecology through collaborative research with field teams. The conservation urgency — rapid wetland destruction across Southeast Asia — makes both captive welfare and field conservation essential.