This post explains fisher cat food, what wild fishers (also known as fisher cats) naturally eat, how they hunt, and what that means for pet owners and wildlife lovers. Do not let the name fool you. Fisher cat food rarely involves fish. This guide offers accurate, easy-to-understand insight into the fisher’s diet. Their ecological role, and how to keep your pets safe.
What Is “Fisher Cat Food”?
The term “fisher cat food” typically refers to what the North American mammal Pekania pennanti eats, not actual food marketed for cats. Although “fisher cat” suggests feline behavior, these are mustelids, members of the weasel family, not cats
- Fisher cat food is strictly about their wild diet, small mammals, birds, and sometimes plant matter.
- The misleading name has fueled myths. This post clears them up.
The Natural Diet of Fishers
1. Primary Prey
The most important part of fisher cat food includes:
- Rodents: mice, rats, voles, shrews
- Lagomorphs: hares and snowshoe hares
- Porcupines: unique predators of porcupines. Fishers use a specialized technique, ambushing and attacking the vulnerable face
2. Other Animal Prey
- Birds, especially ground-nesting types like grouse, and their eggs
- Occasionally, carrion, including deer, moose, or found carcasses
3. Plant Supplementation
When animal prey is scarce, their food includes:
- Fruits, berries, nuts, and mushrooms
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Fish Cat Food? Not Really
Despite the name, fishers do not typically eat fish. They are not built for fishing or aquatic hunting, unlike the Asian fishing cat. Which is an entirely different species
Myths vs. Realities Around the Fisher Diet
1. Myth: Fishers Often Eat Cats or Pets
- A Massachusetts study examined over 1,000 fisher stomachs. Only one contained cat hair
- Wildlife experts say predation of house cats and small pets is very rare
- A dog in Connecticut was attacked, likely by a fisher, during nighttime roaming
2. Myth: Fisher Screams Are Common
- Fisherish vocalizations are usually quiet growls or chuckling sounds. The notorious “scream” is rare and often misattributed. Most “screams” heard are likely foxes
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Why Understanding Fisher Cat Food Matters
Knowing what fishers eat helps in:
- Wildlife conservation, knowing their ecosystem role.
- Reducing conflicts, especially with poultry owners or pet caretakers.
- Managing surprises when fishers venture into suburban areas. Drawn by easily-accessible food like pet meals or birdseed
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Quick Overview: Fisher Cat Food Table
| Food Type | Examples | Notes |
| Mammals | Mice, shrews, squirrels, hares, porcupines | Core diet; specialized hunting (porcupines) |
| Birds & Eggs | Grouse, ground birds, and poultry may be occasionally targeted | Opportunistic feeding |
| Carrion | Deer, moose remains | Scavenge when available |
| Plant Matter | Berries, mushrooms, nuts, fruits | Supplementary food when prey is scarce |
Real-World Example
In the Adirondacks, researchers observed a fisher using its agility: approaching a porcupine from the front, forcing it to turn and exhaust itself. This allowed the fisher to target the face, eventually killing it. This example shows their remarkable hunting skills.
Protecting Your Pets and Home
- Keep pet food indoors: Fishers attracted to birdseed or cat food may lose fear
- Secure poultry: Install sturdy coops and fences.
- Supervise pets at night specially small ones.
- Do not feed wildlife intentionally.
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Additional Insight You Won’t Find Elsewhere
- Fishers have highly nimble ankles. They can rotate their hind paws nearly 180°, letting them climb down trees head-first. This helps them chase squirrels and other arboreal prey effectively
- Their hind paw scent glands enlarge during the breeding season. Likely leaving chemical trails for mating partners
- Their metabolism is high. They need regular feeding and will remain hungry unless they hunt often
Conclusion
Understanding fisher cat food means knowing their natural diet. Mostly small mammals, some birds, carrion, and plant matter, not actual fish. Fishers play a vital ecological role. Myths about them preying on pets or screeching at night are largely exaggerated. Recognizing their behaviors helps reduce conflict and supports coexistence.
If you love wildlife and want to help preserve healthy ecosystems. Consider supporting local conservation efforts or wildlife agencies. Share this post with neighbors and pet owners to spread accurate knowledge about fisher cat food and behavior. Let’s foster respect and harmony with these forest dwellers.
FAQs
1. What do fisher cats eat besides meat?
Fishers supplement their diet with plant items like berries, nuts, and mushrooms. When animal prey is scarce.
2. Why are porcupines part of fisher cat food?
Fishers are one of the few predators of porcupines. They use nimble tactics to exhaust and attack the vulnerable face.
3. Can Fisher cats eat house cats or small dogs?
Such predation is exceedingly rare. A large study found cat remains in only one fisher’s stomach out of over 1,000 examined.
4. What sounds do fisher cats make?
They typically make low growls or chuckle-like noises. The infamous “scream” is rare and often misleadingly attributed.
5. How can I keep my pets safe from fisher cats?
Keep pet food inside, secure poultry, and supervise pets outdoors at night. Avoid feeding wildlife unintentionally.
