How to Handle A Cat's Hunting

As a cat owner, this scenario may be all too familiar to you… You are in your lovely clean home and your precious puss walks in with something dangling from its jaw… to your horror you discover your cat has brought you a little hunting “present.” Now that you have stopped screaming, here are the reasons why cats bring home prey and what to do with the rodent… to help you understand – why does my cat do that?

Why Cats Bring Home Prey

1. Cats are natural born predators. In fact, cats are the only domesticated animal that still has the instinct to hunt and kill. Cats were domesticated first in Ancient Egypt for that very reason.
2. Mum cats teach their young kittens how to hunt, kill and what prey looks like. It is possible that your beloved kitty did learn a thing or two from mum before she landed in your home. And it may not have been that mum actually brought home prey, but simply during play their litter kittens picked up on this instinct as well.
3. Studies show that even desexed cats and those not desexed will bring home food for you as a gift. They see it as their job to hunt for you as you are their companion like a mum for a baby.
4. To curb hunting habits you can purchase a bell for your cat to warn prey of their impending arrival, or provide your cat with toys that act like prey to detract from the need to hunt. Also, providing the cat with a regular meal schedule can deter this unwanted behaviour.  Just know it is an instinct and cannot be changed- simply diverted.

So now there is a tiny and frightened rodent in your home. What should you do?

1. The first task is getting the creature away from your cat. Do not scold the cat, this is a futile exercise that doesn’t deter the behaviour  – it just confuses the cat.  Most domesticated cats will simply leave it there for you and not have a problem letting it go. They will release live creatures for you; after all they see it as a gift to you.
2. When dealing with the rodent don’t touch it with bare hands. Rodents and outside animals can carry all types of disease with them.  If at all possible use disposable gloves or some sort of protective barrier between your skin and the rodent.  (Washing your hands is a great thing to do post clean up).
3. If the animal is no longer living scoop it into a dust pan or other container. Dispose of the animal in the dumpster or garbage collection outside of your home. Putting the animal in the rubbish bin inside your home will not only create a nasty smell but a temptation for your pet to go rubbish diving.
4. If the animal is still alive, most veterinarians agree that the animal will try to run in a straight line to the first available dark spot. Position yourself in between the animal and its route of escape. Scoop up the animal in a box or readily available container. Release the animal back outside, preferably far from your home and away from you cat. Always thoroughly clean the container or throw away it away to prevent disease.

Your cat will always have its hunting instincts but the above tips will help to deter the cat and clean up its findings.  If you know of any more tips on cat hunting behavior please post them below.