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Fishing Cat Kittens Make Public Debut

4,445 views · Published 7 November 2011 · 1:12 · Indexed 27 September 2026

Channel: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium · 2011 · Pets & Animals

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As of November 7, the fishing cat kittens can be seen in their habitat from 12 p.m. to close.

Adult fishing cats are twice the size of a domestic cat and range in weight from 15-35 pounds; males weigh significantly more than females. As many as four kittens are born after a gestation period of about 63 days and the kittens weighed approximately six ounces at birth. Kittens' eyes open by the 16th day and although they will begin eating meat when they are a few months old they are not weaned until 4-6 months of age.

Fishing cats are skilled swimmers despite their short, stocky body. Webbing between their toes aids in swimming and walking in muddy wetlands without sinking. As their name suggests they eat primarily fish but will also prey upon crustaceans, mollusks, frogs and snakes. They are powerful enough to hunt small wild pigs, young deer and calves.

The nocturnal fishing cat is found in southern Asia in densely vegetated areas near marshes, mangroves, rivers and streams as well as in tropical dry forests. Water pollution, clearing of forests for settlements and agricultural use, and over-exploitation of local fish stocks are a threat to the fishing cat. The Columbus Zoo's conservation program has supported assessments of distribution, status and movements of fishing cats in their native habitat as well as workshops and school awareness programs in fishing cat range countries. 

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open 363 days a year 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. after Labor Day.  General admission is $14.00 for adults, $9.00 for children ages 2 to 9 and $10.00 for seniors 60+.  Children under 2 and Columbus Zoo members are free. The Zoo was named the #1 Zoo in America by USA Travel Guide and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has earned Charity Navigator's prestigious 4-star rating. For more information and to purchase advance Zoo admission tickets, visit www.columbuszoo.org.

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