A family in Thailand got the surprise of a lifetime when they discovered what they thought was a stray kitten wandering the streets. But this was no ordinary cat — it turned out to be a fishing cat, a rare and endangered wild species that grows nearly twice the size of a house cat and loves the water.

The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) confirmed the discovery, noting the kitten was only a few hours old when found. Strangely, its mother never returned, leaving the family to step in. They named him Simba and began caring for him like their own, even bottle-feeding the tiny wild cat.

Fishing cats are considered vulnerable, with populations in decline due to habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with humans. In Thailand, studies show up to 84% of deaths are linked to hunting or retaliation killings. Simba’s survival is not just a sweet story — it’s a symbol of hope for his entire species.

For now, Simba is healthy, happy, and thriving with the family who saved him. His rescue is a reminder that animals, wild or domestic, play a vital role in our world — and sometimes, protecting a single life can mean protecting an entire species.