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Arrived at the Sanctuary on the 7th January 2025 after a rescue from the Cat Survival Trust, Hertfordshire, UK
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Little is known about Boson’s background, as no records have been located to date
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Boson is thought to be around 13 years old, having lived at the Cat Survival Trust for much of that time, though no official records exist
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Boson is enjoying a varied diet of fish and a range of different meats
Boson is one of three small cats rescued during a race against time, when Hertfordshire Zoo and The Big Cat Sanctuary joined forces to rehome 28 rare and endangered cats from long-standing neglect at the Cat Survival Trust in Hertfordshire.
While very little is still known about Boson’s early life, it is believed he is around 13 years old. Since arriving at the Sanctuary, Boson has settled into his new home, continuing to explore his surroundings and enjoy a varied diet as part of his ongoing care. He receives the highest standard of specialist care, with his wellbeing closely monitored by the Sanctuary’s experienced animal care team.
We are proud to continue caring for Boson and to have welcomed the return of the Fishing Cat species to the Sanctuary.
The Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a remarkable medium-sized wild cat native to South and Southeast Asia, where it thrives in wetland habitats such as mangroves, rivers, and marshes. Unlike most cats, Fishing Cats are highly adapted to life in and around water, making them skilled and confident hunters.
Built for a semi-aquatic lifestyle, Fishing Cats have partially webbed toes, a flat-headed profile, and a powerful, muscular body that allows them to move effortlessly through water. Their olive-grey fur, patterned with bold black spots and stripes, provides excellent camouflage among reeds and riverbanks. Males are typically larger, weighing between 8–14kg (18–31 lbs), while females usually weigh 5–8kg (11–18 lbs).
True to their name, fish make up the majority of a Fishing Cat’s diet, but they will also hunt frogs, crustaceans, and small mammals. These extraordinary cats are known to dive straight into the water to catch their prey, a rare and impressive skill in the feline world.
Fishing Cats are currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to widespread habitat loss, wetland destruction, and increasing human–wildlife conflict. They are most commonly found in mangroves, marshes, and riverine ecosystems across countries including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Thailand.
Primarily nocturnal, these elusive cats play a vital role in maintaining healthy wetland ecosystems by helping to control populations of fish and other aquatic prey. However, rapid urbanisation, pollution, and the ongoing loss of wetlands continue to place their future at risk.