Rare Indian Fishing Cat Kittens Spotted in Punjab, Spark Hope for Conservation

• May 22, 2025

A wave of excitement has swept through wildlife enthusiasts in Punjab with the rare sighting of Indian Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) kittens at a farm bordering a forest in Hoshiarpur district. The discovery, made in late April, is especially significant as the Fishing Cat—classified as 'Vulnerable' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)—has not been seen in the state for nearly eight years.

The Fishing Cat, a wetland-dependent species, primarily thrives in marshes, swamps, and mangroves, with core populations in the floodplains of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra rivers. Its unexpected appearance in Punjab, a region not typically associated with such habitats, has raised both hope and curiosity among conservationists.

The three kittens were found near a water body on farmland at the intersection of Hoshiarpur and Rupnagar districts. Initially mistaken for leopard cubs by locals, the situation could have turned dangerous for the kittens, but the intervention of the village sarpanch and quick thinking by wildlife activists ensured their safety.

“As word spread, over a hundred villagers gathered, believing leopard cubs had been found,” said Gaurav Rana, a local social activist. “The sarpanch quickly intervened to disperse the crowd and sent photos to wildlife expert Nikhil Senger, who identified them as Fishing Cat kittens.”

Rana explained that the community initially considered feeding the kittens milk until they were advised otherwise by Senger. “He told us they should only be fed cerelac diluted with water, and more importantly, they should be left where they were found to allow the mother to return,” he added.

Labourers kept a watchful eye on the area from a safe distance, and by 2 a.m., the mother cat was seen returning and taking her kittens away—an emotional and relieving moment for everyone involved.

Wildlife conservationist and former honorary wildlife warden of Nawanshahr, Nikhil Senger, emphasized the importance of the find. “This is the first confirmed sighting in Punjab in seven to eight years. The kittens would not have survived on a typical farm diet, so reuniting them with the mother was crucial,” he said. “It’s a hopeful sign that wetland-associated species like the Fishing Cat may still find viable habitats here, underscoring the need to better understand and conserve regional biodiversity.”

The incident highlights both the threats facing rare wildlife species and the crucial role that local awareness, swift action, and community collaboration can play in conservation success.