Water pollution, especially by oil, organochlorines and heavy metals associated with agricultural run-off and logging activities, poses a serious threat to the flat-headed cat through contamination of its prey. This is a major problem throughout much of the flat- headed cat's range. In addition, waterways are often the areas first cleared by people as settlement expands into the forested areas.
The flat headed cat is found in Thailand, the Malaysian peninsula, Indonesia, Sumatra and Borneo. Distributed throughout scrubby, swampy areas, oxbow lakes and riverine forests.
The flat-headed cat is seldom encountered and is believed to be rare.
Prionailurus planiceps is considered as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN. CITES lists the species as "Appendix 1".