Sri Lanka’s three small wild Cats
There are over 30 wild cat species in the world and Sri Lanka hosts 3 of them. Of course the lion on the flag and art is locally extinct despite its vivid display in all mediums and we also are more familiar with the leopard and our own pet cats. But the small cats are also very interesting despite being less seen – the fishing cat is highly aquatic, the rusty spotted cat is the contender for the title of the smallest feline and has a very cute purr. They all hide from plain sight, are nocturnal and thus seldom seen by the common man, hence their intrigue factor.
FISHING CAT – Fishing cats are the second largest cat on the island after the leopard. While most cats don’t swim, this species lives close to water and hunts for fish, hence the name. It also consumes frogs, crustaceans and small birds. Recently, a cat nicknamed Mizuchi made the news when it ‘stole’ koi carps from a Colombo pond. The fur has two layers: 1 layer is short and dense to keep it warm and dry when submerged water, akin to a thermal underwear. The other layer gives it its striking colouration. In addition, its webbed feet and rudder-like head make it truly adapted to swim.
JUNGLE CAT – Twice the size of a domestic cat . Very adaptable animal that is found in all habitats and zones. It is documented in Sri Lanka’s wet zone and dry zone and outside the nation, at altitudes over 2000 metres in the Himalayas. They have also been mummified and recently uncovered in burial tombs from ancient Egypt. Jungle cats are also depicted hunting small birds and mammals in Egyptian wall paintings. It can sprint and ambush prey in quick bursts and is a very efficient predator. It can be hybridised with domestic cats to produce a chausie cat.
RUSTY SPOTTED CAT – The rusty spotted cat is the contender for the title of smallest cat in the world. It has a soft purr hence its nickname ‘the hummingbird of the cat family.’ It is an adept climber and hides on trees from other predators from jackals, jungle cats and even domestic cats. It has yellow chrome piercing eyes and a rusty coloured speckled coat and the baby’s coat is less bright than that of the adults. They have no fear of the larger predators and in the wild, do not seem to hide from the bigger cat species.
The best place to see all 3 of these cats is at Jetwing Vil Uyana, during the night walks they offer. Hotel Experiential Manager Chaminda Jayasekara says that most National Park tours operate in daytime, when these cats are asleep in logs and crevices, but this is their speciality. It is very close to Sigiriya and known as a great small cat and loris viewing location. The rusty spotted cat is the hardest to view.
