Viverra cat fishers are quite rare animals. There are only a few nurseries where they are breeding. Recently, a large number of photos have appeared on the network (almost all of the same cat) showing a good-natured representative of this breed. Of course, this provoked demand. Think about how your housing can meet the needs of a large cat. In addition, weigh your abilities as a trainer and educator, because only the right and consistent actions will allow you to raise a friend, not a dangerous beast.
Who is this mysterious creature?
In fact, he actually has a lot of names, because of this there is some confusion: a wyverra cat-fisher, a speckled (or fish) cat.
Like everyone else, it belongs to the class of mammals.
Detachment predatory, genus - oriental cats. There are two subspecies of these magnificent animals.
Where do these animals live?
We are approaching the most important issue. This is primarily a wild beast. Like a hedgehog, turtle, tiger or bear, it can be taken from the wild, but several generations must pass before the predatory instincts 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 the nursery, you must be aware that its ancestors live with people for only several generations, and instincts will surely wake up in it sooner or later.
Fishermen live in tropical regions of Southeast Asia. The 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 large enough 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. Tight and muscular, they have leopard grace and swiftness and great strength. Their muzzle is short and wide, which gives even more impressiveness. The ears are small and round, pressed to the head - demonstrate 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. Cat fishers have another remarkable feature: between their paws there are membranes that help to hunt in the water. They interfere with retracting the claws, but greatly help on fishing.
Behavior features
If you live in a large private house with a pool or a pond nearby, then this is the most interesting breed to observe. Cat fishermen are excellent swimmers, and they hunt with amazing art. They have quite a lot of receptions, they can wait on the shore, and when they see a swimming fish, they can attack it from the shore. Cats have fun, looking for shallow frogs and snails in shallow water. Even more interesting is the technique of fishing in 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 brawlers. There is a known case when a wyverne cat kept in a zoo killed a leopard. In the wild, they are usually avoided by humans. Grown by humans, in the presence of a large territory for outdoor games and a pond for hunting, animals can be quite affectionate, but a non-castrated adult male can claim his ownership status. Arguing with him is not easy.
Pet
If you decide to stop your attention on this particular breed, then we are in a hurry to please you. The cat-fisher takes a home lifestyle quite easily, unlike other wild cats. There are a number of tips, following which you can raise a faithful friend.
Stop your choice on the female, they are less prone to dominance and more flexible. Get a kitten at a very young age, ideally - at 6-8 weeks. By the beginning of puberty (7 months), the kitten should be neutered. Be sure to pay attention to your pet, often play and feed it with your hands.
Content Features
Prepare in advance for the kitten to play a lot in the water. Baths are suitable for home games, and pools, ponds or rivers flowing next to the house are suitable for outdoor activities. 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 of a predator must necessarily contain a lot of fish and meat. An adult cat eats about 1.5 kg of fish per day, get ready for expenses.
Parenting
Forget brute force. An adult meter animal with huge claws will easily defeat a person. From childhood accustom him to the fact that if not, then completely and forever. The ban should be indicated in a calm confident tone. You can use an air pump to punish systematic misconduct. Air stream + speech command will be remembered much better.
Do not play with the kitten using your own hands and feet as toys! Growing up, cats remain as playful, but become much stronger. A playful bite on the leg will become quite painful. Buy a variety of toys for joint leisure.
This is a very smart breed. Cat fisherman is trained in much the same way as a dog, so from an early age conduct regular classes. A light collar should be worn on the pet on the day of purchase, gradually replacing it with a stronger one. The same with the accustoming to the tray. Do not punish the kitten for coping with the need in the wrong place, show where it is needed, and praise when he does everything right.
Vaccination
These are very strong animals, with excellent health. The vaccination issue is controversial: someone believes that this is weakening the breed, while others see the vaccines as salvation. Usually, veterinarians advise that all cats be vaccinated. Keeping in mind possible serious diseases, 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 even not bad. Owners who can offer the animal really suitable conditions, units, and even patient dogs are not suitable for living in a small apartment, not like a cat fisherman. The photos of this royal beast are adorable, but think many times before embarking on his search. Kittens are expensive, about $ 10,000. Choose reputable breeders.
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 happily lived, you need to get other animals with an eye on the nature of your pet. Plan how many and which animals you want. It’s better to take everyone while the kitten is very small. This is the key to strong friendship between your pets.
From adulthood, introduce the fisherman to newcomers to your family carefully so that he does not see any rivals in them.
To summarize
The cat fisher is an interesting representative of the cat 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 attitude towards them. He will become attached to such a master like no other animal, and will never give reason to think that a wild beast lives in your house.