The Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a medium-sized wild cat of South and Southeast Asia. They are twice the size of a domestic cat. Their claws do not retract all the way like most cats, and they love water. Not only do they swim and fish, but they swim underwater for long distances. Fishing cat territory is unfortunately, prime waterfront property where human development continues to destroy habitat and over-exploit fish stock. Fishing cats are forced to eke out an existence among human settlements, even in cities, where they are hunted and blamed for predation of chickens and other small livestock. Luckily there are some foundations that are working to protect them and give them sanctuaries where they and other wild animals can live.
This painting is for sale 8.5″ x 11.5″ and for only $150.00! The proceeds will go towards renting two fishing ponds in Thailand to help conserve these wonderful cats.
Read more about fishing cats: http://www.fishingcatproject.info/
Want to hear a Fishing Cat’s meow? http://catinwater.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/embarking-on-a-mad-journey.m4a
About the painting:
I depicted the cat on a rock, which is like a small island, depicting the fragility of their existence today. The reference photo was taken from a large group of photos taken by a Russian couple who have a Fishing cat in their home. They have given open permission to use their images.
33 responses to “The Fishing Cat”
Mimi, I can’t tell you enough how awesome you are. Thank you for your support, and such incredible generosity. It’s not easy making a living as an artist, and you are a true champion of good heartedness. Would you be open to letting us showcase some of your beautiful paintings on CAT in WATER? Maybe even a guest post about what inspires your paintings? I know yu’re busy so no worries either way. Bottom line though is thank you from us.
your painting is just stunning!!!!
Loving the way nature inspires so many wonderful pieces of art – & this is a great one 🙂
Great painting! I think this would be my kind of cat. Imagine how fascinating they would be to watch.
You seem to be having fun with this theme.
Stunning!!! I’ve never heard of a fishing cat. I learned something today. 🙂
I am loving all of these things I am learning about these exotic cats each week (and with such beautiful paintings to accompany the lessons… fantastic)! Love those spots!
xo
Kristin
I am enjoying your cat series sooooooooo much. Your are is so very good. I can’t wait for next week.
Nicole/Beadwright
Hi Mimi! I notice you have begun painting cats a lot! That is so cool – cats are wonderful creatures – this one – I can see what you mean about ‘fragility’ – its pose reminds me of those Polar Bears you see nowadays clinging to small sheaths of the melting Arctic Polar caps. Best of luck on your project!
Beautiful painting and it is every better that the profits will help to save these endangered animals. 🙂
Mimi, I love your painting very much. Gorgeous watercolor! I also love how you are helping others and the environment through your creativity. Nice information too. Great work!
Oh there you go….i never knew that tho i am not a painter who paints real things anyhow…just a beginner really…
I’d never heard of a Fishing cat, you taught me something new today. I applaud your efforts to help preserve them with your wonderful painting!
Mandy, you always have to get permission!
Your fishing cat is amazing…i love now you got permission to use it too….interesting research as well…xxx
Amazing!!!
Lovely painting and a most interesting subject!
Beautiful painting, and a very interesting post, I didn’t know about the fishing cat! HPP!
Another gorgeous painting!
Great balance!
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
Wow, terrific painting. Happy PPF, Annette x
Very nice work!!! You captured this type of cat wonderfully.
Happy PPF!
Sheri Cook
HappyHorseStudio
It seems alive!!
Love the soft colors and there is a lot of movement in this beautiful painting. Thanks for sharing.
This is a beautiful painting. You have such a way to make the watercolors in the background gorgeous and yet not overpowering the central image.
Arggg! No follow button, I’ll add you to my computer’s directory then, I want to come back and see more watercolors!
Best,
Jenn from JustAddWaterSilly.com
What a beautifully rendered watercolor! I’m with you in your love of watercolor. ;o) Thank you for sharing, I find animals notoriously difficult to do, I’m envious!
Best,
Jenn from JustAddWaterSilly.com, hopping from paint party friday.
(new follower!)
The Lynx is very real, I like the movement that you have given to the painting. Saludos
Yet another wonderful animal painting ~ Wow!~ namaste, carol (Share the Creative Journey) Happy PPF
wow, great job!
Your post was fascinating to me, but, then, I’m a cat lover! Gorgeous art too!
what a beautiful painting! I live in MN and we have an endangered species protection program at our zoo and the fishing cat is one of the species they work with. I used to home school my son so we went to the zoo often and that was our favorite exhibit. Thank you for doing this to help protect this lovely creature.
Nice painting. I tried to answer the question you asked on the A to Z Blog. Hope it helps. I think you will do a pretty good job with the A to Z Challenge.
Lee
Have you heard about the A to Z Video Challenge?
Blogging from A to Z
Another beautiful painting and another interesting lesson on an animal I knew nothing about! Once again, as is always the case, mankind have encroached on the habitat of another species and then persecuted it when it is forced to live in such close quarters to humans, such a shame that we do this to these beautiful creatures. thank you for educating me on this wonderful cat.