Perhaps this cat should have been named the fishing-cat, as it is an expert fisher. Its paws are also webbed - an adaptation to swimming.

Subspecies
None.

Life span
Flat-headed cats live for over 14 years.

Statistics
Body length: 41-50cm, Tail length: 13-15cm, Shoulder height: unknown, Weight: 1.5-2.5kg.

Physical description
As their name suggests, they have a slightly flattened head, as well as small rounded ears placed low on the head, small paws, a short tail and short legs. The sheaths of their claws only cover about two thirds, so the claws give the appearance of not being fully retractable.

Flat-headed cats are even more adapted for a fishing lifestyle than the fishing cat, and have webbed feet. They have well-developed premolars, which are characteristic of animals that hunt slippery prey, as it provides a better grip.

Flat-headed cats have a thick reddish-brown to dark brown coat with a silvery tinge. The underside and inside of the limbs are white with dark spots. They have black ears, with a yellow line running from eye to ear.

Distribution
Flat-headed cats inhabit Borneo, Sumatra and Malaya.

Habitat
They live in forest and scrub habitats and prefer to be close to water.

Diet
Flat-headed cats are expert fishers. They hunt fish, frogs and small mammals and sometimes eat fruit. Flat-headed cats carry fish at least 2m away to stop them escaping back into the water.

Behaviour
Little is known about this cat but they are thought to be nocturnal. They are seldom encountered and few studies have been carried out on flat-headed cats in the wild.

Reproduction
The gestation period of flat-headed cats is 56 days.

Conservation status
Flat-headed cats are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and are on CITES: Appendix I. Water pollution and contamination of prey is a major problem for them and they are also threatened by loss of habitat.