To characterize reproductive traits and seasonality, four
male and seven female fishing cats were monitored by
collecting feces five to seven times per week for 12–14
months. All animals were exposed to a natural outdoor
photoperiod with two of four (50%) males and three of
seven (42.9%) females also having artificial (indoor) lighting.
Three of four males were housed as singletons with the
remaining individual maintained during the mornings with
a female and otherwise alone. Females were kept as singletons,
except for two that were maintained with a female
conspecific. Additionally, fecal hormones were monitored
opportunistically during translocation of individuals into
new exhibits and also during a veterinary procedure, providing
the chance to investigate the effects of alteration in
management practices on reproductive hormone patterns.