The flat-headed cat is an endangered small wild cat species that can be found in Sumatra, Borneo and the Malaysian Peninsula extending into Thailand.

The cat’s physical appearance has been compared to a civet, a cat-like mammal. There are less than 3,000 flat-headed cats left in the wild.

Scientific Name: Prionailurus planiceps

Conservation Status: Endangered

More About the Flat Headed Cat

Physical Characteristics

The flat-headed cat gets its name from a depression in its skull which runs along the nose to the cat’s muzzle. 

Flat-headed cats have small, rounded ears that are positioned lower down on the side of the head. The cat’s thick, long fur is a red-brown on top of the head, and a mixture of brown and white on the body. The cat’s chin and muzzle are white, as well as its underbelly. There are white streaks between the eyes on either side of the cat’s nose.

A flat-headed cat’s eyes are closer together and farther forward than other cats, which give it binocular-like vision. It has long, narrow feet with more webbing than a fishing cat.

Flat Headed Cat FROM TO
Weight 3.3 lbs. 5.5 lbs.
Body 16 in. 21 in.
Tail 5.1 in. 5.9 in.

 

Habitat

flat headed cat seatedFlat-headed cats inhabit Borneo, Thailand, Malaysia and Sumatra. They are usually seen in tropical rainforests, swamp areas and marshes.  Most of the time the cat is seen walking on riverbanks.

Hunting & Prey

Flat-headed cats mostly hunt for fish, but have also been seen feeding on chickens, rats, frogs and crustaceans. Birds and fruits may also be part of the cat’s diet.  They have been seen washing objects like a raccoon, and swimming across rivers.

Reproduction and Lifespan

There is very little information on the mating habits of wild flat-headed cats. Pregnancy (gestation) is estimated at 56 days. Lister size is approximately 1 to 2 cubs. The cat’s lifespan is approximately 14 years.

Conservation Threats

Flat-headed cats conservation threats include habitat degradation and habitat loss, usually from the expansion of palm oil plantations. The cat’s prey is also being contaminated from water pollution. Other conservation issues include snaring an poisoning.