Boson - The Big Cat Sanctuary

Boson


Peronailurus Viverrinus/Fishing CatVulnerable

Interesting facts about Boson

  • Boson arrived at the Sanctuary on 7th January 2025 as part of a rescue operation from the Cat Survival Trust in Hertfordshire as it was closed down
  • Very little is known about Boson's background or history as we have not been able to locate any records so far
  • It is thought he is about 13 years old as he has lived at the Cat Survival Trust for around that time, again no official records are available
  • He is tall and ideally needs to gain some weight, he is enjoying a variety of fish and different meats

Boson's story


Boson is one of two small cats to be rescued as Hertfordshire Zoo and The Big Cat Sanctuary joined forces in a race against time to rescue and rehome 28 rare and endangered cats from long-standing neglect at Cat Survival Trust in Hertfordshire.

Boson’s story is an incredibly sad one as we have not been able to track even his birth date or background yet, it is thought he is around 13 years old. He has been exploring and enjoying a variety of food, he will of course receive the best possible care and any necessary treatment going forward. We are delighted to welcome him as the Fishing cat species returns to the Sanctuary.

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About Fishing Cats


The Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a medium-sized wild cat native to South and Southeast Asia primarily found in wetland habitats. These cats are uniquely adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle making them exceptional hunters.

These unique cats are adapted to a semi aquatic life and have partially webbed toes, a flat head and a muscular frame. Their fur is olive-gray, marked with black stripes and spots providing excellent camouflage in their habitats. Typically, males are larger than females weighing 8–14kg (18–31 lbs) while females weigh 5–8kg (11–18 lbs).

Fishing Cat diets consists primarily hunt fish but also consume frogs, crustaceans and small mammals. They are known to dive into water to catch their prey.

 

About Fishing Cats


They are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this is due to habitat loss, wetland destruction and human-wildlife conflict. They are most commonly found in mangroves, marshes and riverine ecosystems across countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Thailand.

These nocturnal cats play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems by controlling populations of aquatic prey. However, their survival is increasingly threatened by urbanisation and pollution.

IUCN Red List Category Vulnerable(VU)

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