Discover the world's rarest cat species with exceptional swimming abilities.
Vietnam.vn EN
03/01/2026 06:10:00
Flat-headed cats are characterized by their flattened heads, love of water, and fishing habits, but their threatened habitat puts them at risk of extinction.
As one of the world's rarest feral cat species, the flat-headed cat is classified as endangered due to its narrow range and rapidly declining numbers in the wild over the past several decades. Photo: Pinterest.
Possessing an unusually flattened skull, this cat species, as its name suggests, has a flat head and forehead, and a long, low muzzle, which helps them catch prey underwater more easily than other cat species. Photo: Pinterest.
Mainly distributed in Southeast Asia, the flat-headed cat inhabits Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and a small part of Myanmar, often associated with swamps, mangrove forests, and riverbanks. Photo: Pinterest.
Prionailurus planiceps
is a rare feline species that enjoys water. It doesn't mind wading in water and is even a skilled swimmer, which is rare for a cat. (Photo: Pinterest)
Their
diet is predominantly aquatic. Their meals mainly consist of fish, shrimp, crabs, frogs, and sometimes small waterbirds, clearly reflecting their adaptation to a swampy environment. Photo: Pinterest.
Their teeth and jaws are specially adapted. This species of cat has long, sharp canine teeth, combined with strong jaws, which help them firmly grip slippery prey like fish, even underwater. Photo: Pinterest.
Flathead cats
are solitary and secretive. They are typically nocturnal, solitary, and difficult to observe in the wild, making them challenging to study. Photo: Pinterest.
Severely threatened by humans, wetland degradation, water pollution, and
agricultural expansion have destroyed habitats, pushing Prionailurus planiceps to the brink of extinction. Photo: Pinterest.
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