In 2016, a heartwarming story emerged from Thailand about a tiny newborn kitten found wandering alone on the streets. A local family, out enjoying the evening, discovered the tiny feline and realized it was unlike any ordinary kitten they had seen.
Upon closer inspection, it became clear that the kitten was a rare fishing cat, a species facing the threat of extinction. The family reached out to the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), who promptly sent a representative to investigate the situation. – Watch Video Below
WFFT confirmed that the kitten was indeed a fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), a medium-sized wild cat native to South and Southeast Asia. These cats, named for their love of fishing, can grow to be significantly larger than typical domestic cats. Unfortunately, fishing cats have been classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2016, with their numbers declining due to habitat loss and other threats.
The kitten was only a few hours old when discovered. The WFFT team was puzzled by the abandonment, as it was unusual for a fishing cat mother to leave her newborns. – Watch Video Below
The kitten, who was named Simba by the family, quickly adapted to his new home and formed a strong bond with them. They were granted permission to keep him on a trial basis, and despite hoping for a reunion with his mother, she never returned.
Instead, Simba was cared for by the family, who fed him and nurtured him as he grew into a beautiful fishing cat. His survival is particularly significant given the high mortality rate of fishing cats in Thailand, which is largely due to poaching and retaliation killings. – Watch Video Below
Today, Simba is thriving and serves as a symbol of hope for his endangered species. For those interested in seeing more rescued animals, there are additional videos available showcasing other adorable, albeit non-fishing, kitties. – Watch Video Below
