This heartwarming tale, dating back to 2016, is too charming not to share. In Thailand, a tiny and lone kitten caught the attention of a family enjoying their evening in the neighborhood. Upon closer observation, it became evident that this was no ordinary feline; its appearance distinguished it from the typical kittens they had encountered.

Recognizing the uniqueness of the situation, the family reached out to The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), an animal organization. Responding promptly, the WFFT team arrived to assess the creature. Following a thorough examination, they identified the kitten as a fishing cat—a rare feline species teetering on the edge of extinction.

This captivating “wild cat” has the potential to reach double the size of an average cat and exhibits a profound affinity for marine life. Renowned for its enthusiasm for hunting and consuming fish, it is appropriately named the fishing cat.

As per Wikipedia, the fishing cat, scientifically known as Prionailurus viverrinus, is a medium-sized wild cat native to South and Southeast Asia. Since 2016, it has been classified as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List. The fishing cat population faces threats due to the destruction of wetlands, experiencing a significant decline over the past decade. These remarkable felines primarily inhabit areas around wetlands, including rivers, streams, oxbow lakes, swamps, and mangroves.

Upon examination by WFFT, it was determined that the kitten had only recently emerged from its mother’s womb, a mere few hours before the family’s discovery. Specialists at the organization found themselves puzzled, as it was highly unusual for a mother of this particular breed to abandon her newborn in such a manner. The circumstances surrounding the kitten’s abandonment raised questions and added to the intrigue of this extraordinary find.

Impressed by the rare cat, the family developed a fondness for him and were granted permission to keep him on a trial basis. They chose to name him Simba. The strong bond between Simba and the family quickly became evident, showcasing the cat’s deep attachment to his newfound home.

Despite their vigilant watch, the family, anticipating the mother’s return for her kitten, was met with disappointment as she never appeared. Consequently, the family took on the responsibility of milking Simba and nurturing him themselves. As time passed, Simba not only thrived under their care but also transformed into a splendid example of a fishing cat, growing into his unique and majestic form.

Fortunately, Simba has managed to maintain a healthy and thriving existence so far. However, the ongoing well-being of Simba is of paramount importance. The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) highlights a sobering reality, stating, “poaching and retribution killing were the major causes for a high Fishing Cat mortality of 84% in Thailand.”

In light of these threats, Simba’s rescue and survival not only represent a miracle but also underscore the critical role he plays in ensuring the continuation of his endangered breed. His resilience becomes a symbol of hope for the conservation efforts aimed at preserving the unique and vulnerable fishing cat population.

Here’s a video showing other cats who have been rescued. These might not be fishing cats but they sure are cute: 

Animals are living creatures just like us and their existence is important for mother nature to continue to flourish. Please consider sharing this story if you agree!