River cat. Fishing cat, spotted cat, or fish

It doesn’t really matter if an Asian, American or wild cat-fisherman will live in the house, because it is more important to know everything about her and decide how this skillful angler will be appropriate in the house and whether she will be able to cope with her temperament and provide the pet with everything necessary.

By the way, it is easy to find out about an apartment for such and any other cat in the residential complex Sofia from Martynov on the corresponding website.

Fishing cat or civet cat

The viverra cat-fisherman is quite large, more than a leopard cat, a representative of the cat family. It lives mainly in southeast Asia: India, Indochina, Ceylon, Java, Thailand. They prefer to live in swampy, reedy areas, close to water bodies and streams. These cats have been in the International Red Book since 2008.

Is it possible to keep a cat angler at home

You can keep at home, provided that there is a permit. But you need to understand that this is a wild animal, and he needs space. Although he can get along with people, and even sometimes be affectionate. But in most countries it is against the law to keep viverrid cats at home.

Breed cat angler brief description and price, where and how to buy, how much it costs

This is a very large cat. It can weigh up to 16 kg, grows up to 120 cm in length, and 40 cm at the withers. Females are smaller in size: their weight does not exceed 7.5 kg, and their length is 70 cm. short legs and tail. The muzzle is large, wide, almost without a nose bridge, small low-set ears, a powerful jaw with sharp teeth, fangs can reach 3 cm in length. The color is gray-brown with black speckles, the coat is short and coarse. The tip of the tail is dark. Viverra cats have membranes between the pads for better movement in the water.

Puberty occurs at the age of 2-3 years. These cats breed all year round, in the litter most often there are 2-3 kittens.

It is necessary to buy kittens only in nurseries, at the age of two months, after obtaining a permit. Such a pussycat costs a lot in Russia, not everyone can afford the pleasure of 300 thousand rubles.

Is a cat fisherman found in Russia or not

In Russia, such a cat is not found. It is bought and kept only at home.

Viverra cat at home care, nutrition, illness

- Feed the kitten from the moment you purchase it from your hands so that it does not feel danger in your presence;
- Play with them only with special toys, in no case with your hand;
- Do not shout at him, by virtue of his mind, he understands all voice commands;
These cats have a great respect for fish, so feed them fish more often, and add uncooked beef and bone-in chicken to their diet. During the day, these pussies eat up to 1500 gr. meat and fish;
- A domesticated cat-fisherman can get along with other animals, only they need to be friends carefully;
- Perform water procedures daily;
- Give the cat a large space (the best solution is a large apartment, and preferably a country house;
- And the last thing you need to realize is that this is a wild animal and such a moment may come that you will have to leave.

Be sure to vaccinate your pets just like any other animal.

Is the angler cat wild or domestic?

The fishing cat is a wild animal.

How a cat fisherman hunts

The cat is hiding, waiting for its prey on the shore. As soon as the fish swims close enough, it rushes into the water after it, and throws it ashore with a powerful paw. If it was not possible to catch it right away, it can dive after it to any depth. Although it does not shun crustaceans, frogs, and on land snakes, birds and small mammals.

There are only a few nurseries where they breed them. AT recent times a large number of photos appeared on the network (almost all of the same cat), showing a homely good-natured representative of this breed. Of course, this provoked demand. Consider how your home can meet your needs big cat. In addition, weigh your capabilities as a trainer and educator, because as soon as the right and consistent actions will allow you to raise a friend, not a dangerous beast.

Who is this mysterious creature?

He actually has a lot of names, because of this there is some confusion: viverra (or fish) cat.

Like everyone else, it belongs to the class of mammals. genus - oriental cats. There are two subspecies of these magnificent animals.

Where do these animals live?

We come to the most important question. This is first of all wild beast. Like a hedgehog, turtle, tiger or bear, it can be taken from the wild, but it takes several generations for the predatory instincts to subside somewhat, as can be observed in modern domestic cats.

Raising such a pet requires a lot of effort, time and knowledge. When taking a kitten from a cattery, you should be aware that its ancestors live with people for only a few generations, and instincts will definitely wake up in it sooner or later.

Fishing cats live in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. A larger subspecies inhabits Sumatra and India. The second, a little smaller, lives in Bali. They are found near swamps and slow rivers.

exterior data

Fishing cats are fairly large animals: the size of a dog, about 40 centimeters at the withers, weighing up to 15 kg (females are smaller, about 7 kg).

The length of the body is about a meter. Fit and muscular, they have the grace and swiftness of a leopard and great strength. Their muzzle is short and wide, which makes them even more imposing. The ears are small and round, pressed to the head - showing aggression. The jaws are very strong, which is why these animals are called pit bulls of the cat world.

The head is large, almost merges with the body due to the short neck. Legs and tail are short and thick. The fur is short and coarse, waterproof. Fishing cats have another remarkable feature: they have membranes between their paws that help them hunt in the water. They make it difficult to retract the claws, but they help a lot in fishing.

Behavioral features

If you live in a large private house with a swimming pool or pond nearby, then this is the most interesting breed to watch. Fishing cats are excellent swimmers, and they hunt with amazing skill. They have a lot of tricks, they can wait on the shore, and when they see a fish swimming up, attack it from the shore. Cats have fun looking for frogs and snails in shallow water. Even more interesting is the reception of depth. The paws of a floating cat create small ripples that attract underwater inhabitants. Seeing the prey, he dives after it to any depth.

These animals are big fighters. There is a known case when a civet cat kept in a zoo killed a leopard. In the human wild, they are usually avoided. Raised by humans, with a large territory for outdoor games and a reservoir for hunting, animals can be quite affectionate, but a maturing uncastrated male can claim his rights to the status of the owner. It's not easy to argue with him.

pet

If you decide to focus on this particular breed, then we hasten to please you. life takes quite easily, unlike other wild cats. There are a number of tips, following which, you can raise a devoted friend.

Stop your choice on the female, they are less prone to dominance and more accommodating. Get a kitten at a very young age, ideally at 6-8 weeks. By the beginning of puberty (7 months), the kitten should be castrated. Be sure to pay attention to your pet, play more often and feed him from your hands.

Content Features

Prepare in advance for the fact that the kitten will play a lot in the water. Baths are suitable for home games, and for outdoor entertainment - pools, ponds or rivers flowing next to the house. Do not forget floating toys, they will act as fish. By the way, it will be useful for a growing cat to hunt for live fish launched into the bath if there is no natural reservoir nearby.

The food should contain a lot of fish and meat. An adult cat eats about 1.5 kg of fish per day, get ready for the costs.

Upbringing

Forget brute force. An adult meter-long animal with huge claws can easily defeat a person. From childhood, teach him that if it is impossible, then completely and forever. The ban should be indicated in a calm, confident tone. An air pump can be used to punish systematic misconduct. A jet of air + a speech command will be remembered much better.

Do not play with the kitten using your own arms and legs as toys! Growing up, cats remain the same playful, but become much stronger. A playful bite to the leg will become quite painful. Buy a variety of toys for joint leisure.

This is a very smart breed. Cat-fishermen are trained in almost the same way as a dog, therefore, with early age do regular classes. A light collar should be put on a pet on the day of purchase, gradually replacing it with a more durable one. The same with potty training. Don't punish your kitten for urinating in the wrong place, show him where he needs to go and praise him when he does it right.

Vaccination

These are very strong animals, with excellent health. The issue of vaccination is debatable: some people think that we are weakening the breed, others see salvation in vaccinations. Usually, veterinarians advise to carry out the prescribed for everyone. Keeping in mind the possible serious illnesses, it is difficult to disagree with them.

It should be noted that today in Russia there are no nurseries for breeding this breed. And it's not bad at all. There are only a few owners who can offer the animal really suitable conditions, and even patient dogs, not like a fishing cat, are poorly suited for living in a small apartment. The photos of this regal beast are adorable, but think twice before you go looking for it. Kittens are not cheap, about $ 10,000. Choose breeders with a good reputation.

viverra cats and other pets

It is believed that they get along peacefully with any pets. But, given the small number of families in which these big cats lived happily ever after, you need to start other animals with an eye on the character of your pet. Plan how many and what kind of animals you want. It is better to take everyone while the kitten is very small. This is the key to a strong friendship between your pets.

Starting in adulthood, introduce the new fisherman to your family carefully so that he does not see them as rivals.

Summing up

The fisherman cat is the most interesting representative of the feline world. Attractive appearance and bright personality, large dimensions and incredible grace - all this is harmoniously combined in it. All that is required of you is to love the animal with all your heart and take care of it. Cats feel your true relationship to them. He will become attached to such a master like no other animal, and will never give a reason to think that a wild animal lives in your house.

The fishing cat (viverre cat-fisherman) is reputed to be a great lover of fish and belongs to the genus of oriental cats. Found only in Asia (Indochina, Sumatra, India, Java, Ceylon, Vietnam). Engaged in "fishing" on the banks of rivers flowing into the Indian Ocean and the coast of the ocean itself.

The living space captures the zone of ebb and flow, where mangroves grow - plants with deep roots and high-lying leaves. In the mangroves, the viverra cat-fisher hides from enemies, finds suitable prey and feels like a full owner.

Human attack on its habitat (deforestation, drainage of swamps, expansion of settlements, pollution of territories) negatively affects the population size. Currently, this predator is on the verge of extinction. Hunting for him is prohibited, and he is listed in the Red Book.

Appearance

External resemblance to the family of viverrid mammals is reflected in Latin name species (viverridae), and is expressed in a variegated pattern against an olive-brown color, identical to the shape of the body and short legs. The distant relationship of these animals, dating back to the last epoch of the Paleogene period, is not excluded.

In size, the viverra cat is almost twice as large as an ordinary domestic cat.

• The length of the body reaches a meter, the height at the withers is 38 - 41 cm.
• The weight of an adult male is 11 - 15 kg, females - 6 - 7 kg.
• The tail is thick at the base, thin at the end, not long.
• The physique is strong, squat, awkward at first glance, but strength, swiftness and a kind of grace are manifested in the movements of the animal.
• The massive head due to the short neck almost merges with the body.
• The facial part of the skull is wide, the jaws are powerful, with sharp long fangs.
• A large nose with a wide shortened bridge of the nose stands out on the muzzle in a pale pink color, surrounded on both sides by sparse fan-shaped diverging mustaches.
• The ears are small, semicircular in shape, with a white edge inside and black at the back.
• The eyes are round, yellow-green. Pupils in the form of vertical lentils.
• The paws are short, with webbing between the fingers, the claws are not fully retracted.
• The coat is hard, coarse, short, with a matte sheen.
• The main tone of the coat color is dominated by olive and light gray shades. Paws, sides and tail are covered with small chaotically arranged black spots, and there are several annular stripes at the tip of the tail. On the head and back, the spots merge into longitudinal stripes. There are white markings around the eyes and behind the ears.

The fishing cat has two subspecies, differing only in size. Smaller individuals live on the islands of Java and Bali, larger animals are found in Sumatra, in southern and eastern Asia, and India.

Lifestyle and nutrition

The animal lives in coastal swamps and cannot do without water. He loves and knows how to swim well, prefers to wander in shallow water, rather than sit on the shore. It climbs trees reluctantly, climbs them only in case of emergency.

Of the natural enemies, it is afraid of the leopard, but it may well enter into a fight with it. An adult cat marks its territory with urine, in every possible way claims its rights to the status of the owner. In addition, he is a well-known fighter and bully. Fights for any reason.

Hunting comes out at dusk, when fish come to the shore and crayfish, crabs, and shrimps are activated. Waiting for prey, sitting near the water. Uses cunning tricks to get the victim as close as possible. Most often, it presses on the surface of the water with webbed paws, creating small ripples and imitating the movement of insects.

Sometimes it pounces on passing fish from the shore. It catches it from the water with its paws, but it can dive for prey and to the depths. The webs on the paws help to move quite quickly in the water for long distances, to dive well.

The viverra cat-fisherman has an excellent appetite and can eat up to 1.5 kg of fish per day. In addition to the favorite food, the diet includes snails, snakes, frogs, crayfish, crabs - the cat hunts for them in shallow water. On occasion, does not refuse small mammals, birds. There are known cases of attacks on larger animals that come to a watering place. It can also eat carrion.

Reproduction and care of offspring

Little is known about the reproduction of wild civet cats; the animal leads a too secretive lifestyle in nature. In captivity, the viverrid fishing cat can breed all year round. The relative peak of activity is observed in late February, early March.

Pregnancy in a female lasts about 2 - 2.5 months (63 - 70 days). The male does not leave the female and helps her prepare for the upcoming birth. Parents look for a secluded place, equip and insulate the den.

As a rule, two or three kittens are born. The weight of the cub does not exceed 170 grams. The main food for offspring in the first three months is mother's milk. From the age of two months, parents teach babies to solid food. By the time they reach nine months, kittens grow to adult size and can take care of themselves. The final formation of a sexually mature individual occurs by 15 months.

In the wild, a human predator eschews, but does not show aggression without a special reason. A cat caught as a kitten can be tamed and get used to people. Quite often, the fishing cat is found in zoos in Europe. The animal is kept in specially equipped enclosures, has access to an artificial reservoir and living conditions close to the natural habitat.

The beast adapts well to the home lifestyle and if you follow the recommendations of the breeders, it can become a loving and devoted friend. It is better to stop your choice on the female. When she grows up, there will be less trouble and problems with her. Males who have reached puberty begin to mark the territory, jealously protect their owners from strangers with the help of claws and teeth. The consequences of such actions are dangerous and fraught with sad consequences.

Raising a kitten requires some effort, a special approach. The animal is distinguished by a complex, conflicting character, however, it is very quick-witted and intelligent. It is better to take a kitten from the cattery at the age of two months. In order for the baby to quickly get used to the new home, he is fed from hand, surrounded by care and affection.

They are taught to the tray and teams from childhood. Prohibitions are indicated in a calm and confident tone. Be sure to praise when everything is done right. The cat is ambiguous about other pets, and gets used to them only when it grows up with them.

You can and should play with a kitten, but you should not use your own limbs.

An adult pet grows to a respectable size, but in the soul it remains the same little kitten. Uses proven game techniques- bites, grabs arms and legs, may accidentally scratch or not calculate the force of the bite. At best, after such games, the owner is provided with very painful sensations.

Before buying an animal, it is necessary to study not only external description breed, but also the habits of a potential pet. The biggest passion of the fishing cat is fishing. To deprive him of such pleasure is cruel. In the conditions of an apartment, a "reservoir" can be periodically arranged right in the bath and floating toys can be launched into it. In a country house under an artificial reservoir, you can equip a pool. The cat will be happy to swim there, and if you run a live fish, it will also hunt.

The diet consists of fish and lean meat delicacies. Daily rate products is 1.5 kg. Added to food vitamin preparations, various additives with minerals.

Health

The animal is distinguished by good health, rarely gets sick and does not cause much trouble to the owner in connection with this. Despite the natural immunity, the predator is subject to all vaccinations prescribed for cats and observation by a veterinarian. If the male is not intended for breeding, he is castrated before the age of eight months.

With good care at home, they can live 20 to 25 years. In nature, life expectancy is limited to 12 - 15 years.

Buying a kitten

The animal is under state protection. Therefore, in order to buy a fishing cat, a special permit is required. Only a few specialized nurseries are engaged in the legal sale and breeding of this breed. Increased demand for large breeds cats, which has been celebrated recently, increases the value of this most interesting and charming representative of the animal world. The price of a viverra cat-fisherman starts from $10,000.

1. The viverrid fishing cat has such powerful jaws that it is called the pit bull terrier of the cat world.
2. White eye spots are clearly visible behind the ears in the photo of the animal. You can use them to navigate what mood the viverra cat is in. If the spots are not visible and the ears are pressed to the head, it is better not to touch the animal. Thus, he demonstrates discontent and aggression.
3. The animal presses its ears as tightly as possible to the head while swimming, diving, so that water does not get into them.
4. Due to the special shape of the nose, the predator after deep breath can hold air, and water does not enter it during diving.
5. Males are twice the size of females.

The civet cat is a unique Asian predator. Unlike his relatives, he is not only not afraid of water, but even frolics with pleasure in reservoirs, not being afraid of great depths. For this unique feature, the animal received several names at once: a fishing cat, a water or fish cat. For the spotted color, similar to the color of the Far Eastern cat, it is sometimes called speckled.

Origin story

Viverra fishing cats have lived in India, Indochina, as well as on the islands of Bali, Java, Sumatra since ancient times. Since the main place of their residence was the impenetrable jungle, long time people were unaware of the existence of this breed. During the period of development of new lands by man, the habitat of predators was significantly reduced due to the drainage of swamps, deforestation and development of territories. Their numbers have decreased significantly, especially on the islands of the Malay Archipelago.

Today, fishing cats are on the verge of extinction, therefore they are listed in the International Red Book. According to the convention on international trade species of wild flora and fauna (CITES), hunting for them is strictly prohibited.

Despite the prohibitions, local natives mercilessly catch fish cats and resell them as smugglers abroad. In addition to the thirst for profit, animals are hunted because of the healing properties of their individual parts of the body, bones and skins. Of these, especially rare and valuable in oriental medicine healers are brewed.

Appearance

The viverrid cat received its Latin specific name Prionailurus viverrinus due to its external resemblance to predatory mammals viverras (civet). Distinctive feature animals are black spots and stripes placed in a row along the body. This color allows excellent camouflage in the bushes.

Thanks to the unique color, the predator is fluent in the art of disguise.

Table: description of the cat-fisherman

Angler cats have 2 unique anatomical features that distinguish them from many other breeds:

1. The absence of the bridge of the nose in the presence of a wide and large nose, which allows the animal to stay under water for a long time and hold its breath.
2. The presence of webbing between the toes of the front paws makes it difficult to retract the claws, but it helps to dive, swim and fish with ease.

Viverrid cat-fisherman in the wild

Viverra fishing cats belong to the family of oriental cats, therefore they live exclusively in Asia. Here, in tropical latitudes, they feel as comfortable as possible due to the presence of a large number of reservoirs, high humidity, abundance of precipitation, and small seasonal temperature fluctuations. Life expectancy in the wild is 13 years.

Habitat and lifestyle

Water cats live apart from other animals, in every possible way avoid meeting people. They can be found in the jungle, especially in the mangrove forests, which are a buffer zone between sea and land. The unique natural ecosystem creates favorable conditions for the habitat of predators, primarily because the territory is almost impassable for humans due to dense thickets of shrubs, an abundance of swamps and rivers.

Mangrove forest - the main habitat of fishing cats

Viverra cats are distinguished by a cocky character, therefore they do not get along well not only with other predators, but even with their relatives. They spend most of their time frolicking in a pond or walking in shallow water. Climbing trees is problematic for them because of the massive body. At night they are awake, and during the day they prefer to rest in shelter.

The favorite pastime of water cats is hunting for fish. They can sit for a long time on the shore of a reservoir in anticipation, and then with one well-aimed jump or a blow of a clawed paw, get the desired prey. Sometimes predators use a little trick: by touching the paw to the surface of the water, they imitate the movement of insects, while the body remains motionless. A fish passing by, interested in the bait, quickly becomes a victim of a viverra cat. In search of food, the animal is able to dive to the depths to get fish.

Viverras love to hunt for fish.

In addition to fish, the predator eats:

• crabs;
• snails;
• frogs;
• snakes;
• birds;
• mice;
• insects.

Thanks to its powerful body and strong limbs, a water cat can defeat enemies that are larger than it. That is why, in exceptional cases, he preys on larger mammals (tiger, gibbon, etc.). A case is known when a fish cat kept in a zoo accidentally entered the cage of a leopard and killed him.

Reproduction and care of offspring

Puberty occurs in civet cats at the age of 2-3 years. Animals breed year-round, but the main mating time falls in the fall. Pregnancy lasts 63–70 days, so offspring usually appear in January–February. 2-3 kittens are born immediately. Vision comes to them in the second week of life, they mature completely and become independent by 9 months.

Spotted cat takes care of her offspring

Video: fishing cat in its natural habitat

Keeping a viverra cat at home

In captivity, fishing cats live an average of 15–20 years, but only under the condition proper care, content and diet. For home living, it is better to take a female, since she is less aggressive than a male (cats tend to dominate and become uncontrollable during puberty). It is desirable that the pet lives with the owners, and not in a separate enclosure on personal plot. Otherwise, he will not be able to socialize and will forever remain a wild predator.

From the first days of the appearance of a kitten in the house, it should be surrounded by affection, care and attention. In order for him to quickly get used to the household and adapt to the new environment, at first he should be hand-fed. Over time, the pet will not only begin to trust people, but will also be able to make friends with other pets (cats, dogs).

However, one should take into account the fact that an exotic predator does not deny himself the pleasure of feasting on those whom he rightfully considers weaker. That is why it is extremely undesirable to leave him alone for a long time with other pets.

Due to the wayward nature of the fishing cat, conflicts with other pets are not ruled out, so the owner needs to be on the alert

The viverra cat is a little-studied and wild breed, so for beginners who do not have experience with predators, I strongly do not recommend getting such a pet. It will not be possible to completely domesticate and tame the animal: sooner or later instincts will prevail. A powerful and strong pet, twice the size of an ordinary domestic cat, can injure or maim household members, and in the worst case scenario, take their lives.

Features of care

The features of caring for a viverra cat are not much different from keeping an ordinary domestic cat: they also comb out their hair, and, if necessary, cut their claws. To cut the claws, you should teach your pet from the first months of life, so that he has time to get used to the procedure. If the right moment is missed, then it is undesirable to subject an adult to such manipulations: being frightened, the animal can injure the owner. It is not worth provoking aggression in a predator, as this is fraught with sad consequences.

Hair care does not cause much trouble, since the cat-fisherman's coat is quite hard, short, and almost does not shed. Special attention should be given water procedures: an exotic predator loves to swim, so it is advisable to equip a small pool for him in the backyard (if possible). Sometimes you can put live fish into the tank so that the pet can at least partially satisfy its hunting instincts. If the animal lives in an apartment, the best solution would be to take a viverr bath. It is recommended to throw toys into the water (for example, plastic fish) to make it more fun and interesting for the cat to carry out water procedures.

Cat-fisherman loves regular water treatments

Despite the fact that an exotic predator naturally has good immunity, it needs to be vaccinated regularly: vaccinate twice with a complex vaccine until the teeth are completely changed, and then repeat the vaccination annually. Males can only be castrated up to eight months of age.

Feeding

In the first months of life viverra kitten should be fed exclusively with live food - dry prepared food (even premium) can cause irreparable harm to health. The body of a growing baby is very susceptible, so only an experienced specialist can make the right diet.

If the animal was bought in a nursery, it is advisable to constantly keep in touch with the breeders: they will give competent advice and advice.

The main diet of an adult is fish and raw meat with bones (beef and poultry are suitable). A pet eats 0.5–1.4 kg of food per day. It is impossible to replace natural food with dry analogues for ordinary domestic cats, since they do not have enough nutrients needed for a predator.

The main part of the water cat's diet is fish.

Since a spotted cat in the house is a rarity, there is very little reliable information on his diet on the Internet. From personal experience I can say that predators often need to be given live food to improve their functioning. digestive system. Unfortunately, not all owners of exotic animals can withstand such a spectacle, so they are in a hurry to replace the necessary food with frozen carcasses or feed from manufacturers. This greatly harms the health of the pet and reduces its life expectancy.

Upbringing

From the first months of life, a water cat needs to be accustomed to the tray. For a baby, an ordinary small pet tray is suitable, for an adult - a container measuring 60 by 100 cm. It is recommended to use wood filler. If the pet went to the toilet in the wrong place, you need to point him to the right tray, but do not beat or punish: just verbally scold him.

It is also necessary to tame the viverra to the collar and leash. At first, put on a loose collar, each time tightening it a little. Soon the pet will stop paying attention to the strange object and will perceive it adequately. This will allow you to make safe walks with an exotic cat on the street. It should be remembered that the animal loves space very much and in the warm season it will be happy to relax with the owner in the fresh air. A collar with a leash will ensure that the pet will not run away anywhere.

I strongly do not recommend letting your pet off the leash, even in a seemingly safe area (outside the city, in nature, away from people). Even the most complaisant and obedient animal can lose control from overexcitation and stop obeying the owner. The predator's natural hunting instincts are activated, which certainly turns into an escape. This advice applies not only to exotic cats, but also to dogs (especially fighting breeds).

In the house, it is desirable to equip a place for rest for the viverra (armchair, bedding, couch, etc.). You can train him to use a scratching post to save furniture and walls, but regular walks will be more effective than any household appliances. The fact is that on the street the cat grinds its claws on asphalt or trees, so the need to do such manipulations at home will disappear by itself.

Your pet should have a private resting place in the house.

Games are an essential element in raising a pet. The viverra should have enough toys so that he does not get bored at his leisure and directs his indefatigable energy into right direction. In no case should the owner be allowed to play with his hand or foot. While the pet is small, abrasions will be insignificant, while an adult can inadvertently injure a person badly without calculating the strength.

Taming

The viverra cat has a high intellect and an outstanding mind, therefore it can be tamed no worse than a dog. However, certain difficulties in upbringing arise because of the hierarchical ladder that the pet builds for himself: a new family for him is a “pack”, and the owner is a “leader”. If the owner can become an authority for the civet, he will unquestioningly obey, but exclusively to him alone. The predator will stubbornly ignore the demands and requests of other household members.

In the family, the civet cat builds a hierarchy, as in a pack

With the onset of puberty, the male begins to actively mark the territory, leaving "odorous marks". At this time, he seeks to defend leadership in the “pack” and competes with the owner, becoming incredibly aggressive and wayward.

The story of a viverra cat named John Davis, who lived in an ordinary family in Krasnoyarsk, is known for certain. As a child, he was unusually sweet and friendly, but in adulthood he began to perceive the women in the house as "females" and his master as a "male" who needs to be ousted from his territory. because of aggressive behavior the pet was forced to hand over to the local zoo. To avoid such unpleasant situations, the kitten must be castrated in advance.

Generally find mutual language it is easy with a civet, but you need to remember that he is jealous and touchy. If the owner pays enough attention to him, surrounds him with affection, care and at the same time shows who is in charge in the house, there will be no problems. In no case should you punish your pet for wrongdoing by using physical force. It must be remembered that at this moment the animal loses control of itself and thinks only about how to defend itself with the help of its claws. It is enough to strictly say “No” or blow in the muzzle so that the cat realizes the guilt. Another effective method is to close the pet alone in the room. A smart animal will understand that the owner is offended by it.

Where to buy a viverra kitten

Before buying a viverra kitten, you must obtain a special permit, since the animal has been listed in the International Red Book since 2008. In many countries, keeping a predator of this breed in captivity is punishable by law, but Russia is not yet one of them. The fashion for exotic cats is growing, so the number of catteries is increasing every year. It is strongly recommended to contact trusted breeders who have official registration and provide the necessary accompanying package of documents.

Viverra cats are listed in the International Red Book

From personal experience I can say with confidence that you can safely trust catteries that advertise on the Internet and have their own personal website. The price of animals they have is an order of magnitude higher than that of individuals, but there is an exact guarantee that the purchased pet will not suddenly show up rare diseases and he won't die the next day. The breeder provides comprehensive information about the pedigree and gives detailed advice on the care and maintenance of a water cat.

It is recommended to purchase a kitten no older than two months, with the necessary vaccinations. Give preference to the most healthy and active baby from the litter. If the kitten is lethargic, passive, inert, it is better to refuse to buy, since such symptoms may indicate the presence of serious diseases.

The cost of a viverra kitten starts from 300,000 rubles.

Different breeds of cats have their own characteristics. Perhaps, the viverra cat-fisherman is the best breed of cats, because, judging by the name, such a pet can become a breadwinner for the whole family. But it's not like that at all.

Who is the viverra cat-fisherman

The viverrid cat-fisherman is an exceptionally wild animal. The scientific name of this feline species is Prionailurus viverrinus. The animal belongs to the class of mammals, the order of carnivores, the cat family and the subfamily of small cats. Angler cat enters common gender eastern cats, which brings it closer to the Far Eastern wild cat.

The modern viverra cat-fisherman has only two subspecies:

1. Prionailurus viverrinus viverrinus (they are slightly larger and live in India, southern Asia and Sumatra).
2. Prionailurus viverrinus risophores (habitat - Java and Bali).

The fishing cat got its name because of the similarity of the skin and appearance with the civet (viverrinus), although these are different types of mammals.

The viverrid cat-fisherman is considered a very rare species. Convention on international protection endangered species of animals prohibits the capture and sale of these animals. Since 2008, the cat-fisherman has been included in the International Red Book. The population has the conservation status of an endangered animal species.

It should be noted that the viverra cat-fisherman carefully hides from people and tries to lead an inconspicuous lifestyle, as a result of which the history of the appearance of this species of animals is not exactly known.

The cat tries not to catch the eye of people, leads a very secretive lifestyle

Description of the fishing cat

Like most wild predators, appearance, habits and character of the cat-fisherman are entirely subordinate natural conditions. After all, hunting for prey is a process on which the life of a cat and its offspring depends, therefore it is necessary to have a common nature colors and strong body.

Cat-fisherman is not afraid of water and perfectly catches fish. This is what makes her different from other cats.

The animal is an excellent swimmer and diver in search of prey.

External Data

An adult viverra cat-fisherman weighs up to 15 kg. The body can be from 96 to 120 cm long, and the height at the withers is from 38 to 40 cm. At the same time, cats are twice as light and smaller than males.

Animals have a strong physique, characteristic of all representatives of the cat family. Wherein hallmarks The following external signs are considered to be a fishing cat:

• short form of the skull;
• practically absent bridge of the nose;
• round and very powerful jaw;
• ears small size and round shape;
• short thick neck;
• short paws;
• shortened tail length;
• webbing on the front paws between the toes.

The color allows the cat to remain invisible against the backdrop of wildlife

The color of the viverra fishing cat is standard: the skin is grayish-brown with black spots. The fur is thick, short, has waterproof properties. The skin has a matte finish, which allows the angler to blend in with the environment.

On land, the cat moves somewhat clumsily, trying to cling to the ground. The tail is used for balance while walking and swimming. It has the same thickness throughout its length, while in all cats it is necessarily striped.

Character

The civet cat has the typical character of a predator. Usually the female occupies a territory up to 8 km². This space is enough for her not only to hunt, but also to feel the safety of her cubs. An adult male fishing cat asserts its rights to a much larger area - about 22 km².

Fishermen among the natives have long been known as bullies and fighters, although they avoid meeting people. Cats conflict not only with other animals, but also with each other if a stranger has violated the boundaries of someone's territory. This is perhaps the most important quality in their character.

It is known for certain that once in an American zoo, a fishing cat broke out of a cage and killed a leopard in a fight. Therefore, we can say that it is not customary wild cat hide when meeting with a larger and stronger predator.

Since zoological observations of fishing cats are very rare, and they are practically not kept in captivity, little is known about the nature of the animals either. In appearance, the angler is very beautiful and unusual, but an attractive appearance is in no way associated with the temperament of a serious killer cat.

The image of a "cute cat" does not fit in with the character of a cunning and strong predator

Only one case of the life of a viverrid cat-fisherman in Russia in a private house is known. During the puberty of the animal, the owners had to give the pet to the zoo, as he began to show aggression towards people around him.

Habitat

Viverra fishing cats can be found in the tropics or subtropics. Therefore, they are accustomed to hot climates and have never seen snow. The optimal temperature regime for these cats is 25–30 degrees Celsius. Animals settle in dense forests near swamps, rivers and lakes, which greatly facilitates the effects of heat. Geographically, the range of fishermen is the countries of Southeast Asia:

• India;
• Indochina;
• Ceylon;
• Sumatra;

At the same time, cats from the island of Java are significantly inferior in size to their relatives from the continent.

Moist dense forests of Asia - a favorite habitat for fishing cats

Nutrition

The viverra cat-fisherman knows how to swim well - in this he is helped by a waterproof undercoat and membranes on his front paws. Thanks to this skill, they build their own line of hunting: they wait for the victim on the shore, and then rush to the prey with one jump. Also, cats can walk in shallow water in search of small animals: frogs, crabs or snails.

Hunting for fish requires more skill, so the cat can not only swim, but also dive to the depths. Fish is the main diet. Cats are very cunning and lure fish from depth to shallow water with light strokes of their paws on the water. The fish, feeling the vibrations of the water, swims to strike in the hope that this insect is drowning, but falls into the tenacious paws of the cat.

In the "hungry" years, the angler does not disdain even carrion, catches snakes and insects. In extremely rare cases, a fishing cat can attack livestock (for example, catch a lamb or a goat).

In general, the diet of the animal is very diverse. The cat-fisherman does not shun any prey, and therefore is perfectly adapted to any changes in the external environment.

For his livelihood, the cat-fisherman uses almost all types of small animals, insects and fish.

reproduction

Viverra cats do not have a specific mating season - they can breed all year round. This is due to their habitat - it is always warm in tropical and subtropical Asian forests.

Puberty occurs in the second or third year of life. Pregnancy lasts approximately 63–70 days, after which the female gives birth to two or three cubs. Growing up takes 9 months, after which the kittens can live on their own in isolation from their parents.

Growing up civet kittens takes 9 months

Until now, there is no reliable information about whether the male is involved in caring for the cubs. In captivity, fishing cats live in pairs, while the father of the family feeds and educates his kids. Whether this happens in the wild is unknown.

Video: briefly about fishing cats

Captive fishing cat

Fishing cats are extremely difficult to breed at home. In early childhood, a kitten can still be accustomed to human presence, but in adulthood it will again be a wild cat, dangerous to others.

In most countries of the world, the breeding of fishing cats is prohibited at the legislative level. The ban is connected not only with the fact that there are very few animals left in nature, but also with the danger of predators, and with their inability to adapt to home living conditions.

The animal is kept in zoos: in captivity, cats live up to 25 years, while multiplying rapidly. This is surprising, because in the wild, due to their grumpy and pugnacious nature, anglers rarely live to be 10 years old.

Mandatory conditions for keeping feral cats in captivity include an aviary with sufficient space and a reservoir. Be sure to observe the habit of cats to a humid and hot climate. So, in northern countries, you need to ensure that the air temperature in the enclosure does not fall below 25 degrees Celsius.

The specifics of the animal's lifestyle should be taken into account, therefore, feeding occurs mainly with live fish, which the cats themselves catch from the water. Animals lead a secretive life in the wild, so zoos usually have soundproof glass with a darkened surface on one side. This allows you not to disturb the cat and at the same time to observe its behavior in captivity.

An amazing wild cat who loves to swim and fish, leads a secretive lifestyle. In nature, this population is on the verge of extinction. A capricious impudent character and a love of freedom do not allow to breed fishing cats at home.