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Stumble this page!Flat-headed cat
Order : Carnivora
Family : Felidae
Subfamily : Felinae
Species : Prionailurus planiceps
The flat-headed cat (Prionailurus planiceps) is about the size of a domestic cat, but possesses a flat but long head and round ears. The flat-headed cat looks similar to a civet and it is adapted to partially-aquatic living. Flat-headed cats have partial webbing on their toes, and this aids them in navigating through water. Also, their teeth face backwards to help the cat hold on to slippery prey, like frogs. Around the year 1985, the flat-headed cat was classified as extinct, but luckily, they were not. In 1995 they were removed from the extinct list when they were spotted in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. The flat-headed cat's habitats are forests near rivers and river banks.
In the wild, the flat-headed cat is believed to be nocturnal, but in captivity they exhibit crepuscular (active at dusk and dawn) behavior. Their diet includes crustaceans, frogs, fish and, as a last resort, rodents.
Like most other cats, this cat is solitary, using scent to mark its territory. The size of a typical litter is between one and four kittens. In captivity, these cats have lived up to 14 years of age.
Because of their dependence on rivers and the fact that pollution is a growing problem in their habitats, it is assumed that the population of these cats is not thriving.
Interesting fact: In the 19th century, this cat was known as the "fire cat". Also, they will ignore a live sparrow even if this is within reach.
Image of the flat-headed cat by Alessio Marrucci, licensed under GFDL
The Flat-headed cat is listed as Vulnerable (VU), considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Namings for the flatheaded cat
A young / baby of a flatheaded cat is called a 'kitten'. The females are called 'queen' and males 'tom '. A flatheaded cat group is called a 'clowder, clutter, pounce, kindle (young), embarrassment (young),'.Habitats
Forest, Permanent Freshwater Lakes (over 8ha), Permanent Rivers / Streams / Creeks (includes waterfalls), Subtropical / Tropical Moist Lowland and Wetlands (inland)
Facts about the flat-headed cat
Flat headed cats are seldom encountered and believed to be rare.
Flat-headed cats are thought to be endangered and are listed in CITES Appendix I.
The Flat-headed Cat is one of only three cats, which are not able to retract their claws (the others being the Cheetah and the Iriomote Cat
Tigers, jaguars, fishing cats and flat-headed cats are known to be around water most often.
The Flat-headed Cat is unusual in his appearance. (Full text)
Male Flat-headed Cats are slightly larger than the females. (Full text)
In Borneo, flat-headed cats are most frequently observed at night along riverbanks, hunting frogs and fish (Banks 1949; J. (Full text)
The pelage of the flat-headed cat is thick and soft, and of a reddish-brown color tinged with grey, with the top of the head more brightly red. (Full text)
Occasionally known as the little Malayan red cat, the flat-headed cat is covered in thick reddish or dark brown fur. (Full text)
Another interesting departure in the flat-headed cat is that its claws do not fully retract into their protective sheaths. (Full text)
Flat-headed cats are even more adapted for a fishing lifestyle than the fishing cat, and have webbed feet. (Full text)
Size and Appearance: One of the most unique and unusual members of the cat family, the Flat Headed cat is ideally (Full text)
Also known as little Malayan red cats, flat-headed cats are found in tropical forests in Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra. (Full text)
Flat Headed cats are well suited to take up residence in the Palm Oil Plantations of Malaysia thriving in the thick jungle wetland environment also preying on abundant rodents species. (Full text)