Why Cats Hunt
Cats are natural hunters with an instinctual drive to hunt even when they are not hungry. Domestic cats retain this instinct from their wild ancestors and continue to hunt small prey like mice, birds, insects, and other animals despite being fed by their owners. Hunting provides cats with mental stimulation and satisfaction. It allows them to practice and maintain their hunting skills even when they do not need to kill for food.
According to a recent study, cats primarily hunt due to instinct rather than hunger. Their predatory behavior is hard-wired from evolution as solitary hunters. Killing prey activates reward centers in a cat’s brain, releasing dopamine and creating a pleasurable experience. So cats may continue hunting frequently even with ample food available.
Hunting serves as an important outlet for natural cat behaviors. It provides enrichment and meets their needs for physical activity and expresion of predation behaviors. So an indoor cat may still exhibit their natural drive to hunt despite not needing to hunt to survive with owners providing food.
Offering the Kill
One reason cats bring dead mice or other small animals to their owners is due to social behavior. In the wild, mother cats will bring home dead or injured prey to teach their kittens how to hunt. Domestic cats maintain some of these natural instincts and may view their owners as being part of their family group. When cats present their owners with a dead animal, they are essentially trying to “share” their hunting prize and skills.
Cats often expect to be praised or rewarded when they bring home these hunting “gifts.” It’s thought they are showing their capturing abilities and desire positive attention in return. Since cats aim to please their owners, they may continue this behavior if they perceive their human is happy about receiving the dead animal, such as by petting them or providing a treat.
Some key reasons cats offer kills to their owners include:
- Showing their natural hunting abilities
- Sharing the “gift” with their family/social group
- Seeking positive praise and rewards for their capture
- Trying to teach or impress their owner
In the cat’s mind, they have done something praise-worthy by bringing home a prize to share. However, owners rarely react positively to being presented with a dead mouse or bird, creating a disconnect between the cat’s intentions and the human’s actual reaction.
Not Eating the Kill
There are a few reasons why a cat may not eat its kill after hunting:
Cats experience a huge adrenaline rush and stress response during the hunt which can suppress their appetite right after (source). The excitement of the chase and capture satisfies their predatory instinct, so they may not feel hungry enough to eat the mouse immediately.
Alternatively, if a cat is feeling ill, its appetite may be diminished so it does not want to eat the mouse (source). Certain illnesses can cause nausea, discomfort, or lack of appetite that prevents the cat from consuming its catch.
In some cases, the mouse or other prey may be too large for the cat to eat all at once. Cats have small stomachs and may only eat a portion of a large kill right away (). The rest they will leave behind to consume later.
So while it may seem puzzling, there are valid reasons why a cat does not always eat its catch immediately after hunting.
Preventing Future Kills
One of the most effective ways to prevent your cat from killing small animals outside is to keep it indoors. According to Catster, “It only makes sense that if cats kill things outside, preventing them from leaving the house will solve the problem.” You can provide your indoor cat with enrichment by dedicating playtime each day and providing toys that appeal to their natural hunting instincts, like toy mice and feather wands.
For cats that go outside, attaching a bell to their collar can alert prey and deter hunting, according to Purina. Using citrus or other strong scents around the perimeter of your yard may also help deter small animals from entering the area and tempting your cat.
Providing enclosed outdoor spaces like screened porches or cat patios allows your cat to experience the outdoors safely without catching prey. Make sure any outdoor area is fully enclosed and secure so your cat cannot escape.
Health Risks
Hunting mice can pose health risks to cats. Mice can carry diseases that are transmissible to cats, such as hantavirus, salmonella, or tapeworms.[1] Eating an infected mouse puts the cat at risk of contracting these illnesses. Even if the cat doesn’t eat the mouse, scratches or bites from the mouse defending itself can transfer bacteria and cause infection.[2] It’s important to monitor the cat after interactions with mice and look for symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or abscesses that could indicate disease. Getting prompt veterinary care can treat any illness acquired from mice before it becomes more serious.
[1] https://www.thesprucepets.com/dangers-of-mice-552522
[2] https://www.petcarerx.com/article/is-it-safe-to-let-your-cat-get-rid-of-mice/1482
Providing an Alternative
One way to curb your cat’s hunting instincts is to provide alternative activities that simulate hunting https://www.petmd.com/cat/wellness/these-are-best-cat-toys-simulate-hunting-prey. Interactive toys like feather wands and laser pointers give your cat an outlet to chase prey and pounce. This can satisfy their desire to hunt without actually killing live animals.
You can make playtime more rewarding by incorporating treats or catnip. Giving your cat a tasty reward when they successfully “catch” a toy provides positive reinforcement. This strengthens the connection between stalking toys and getting a treat, disincentivizing them from hunting real prey. Over time, engaging with interactive toys rather than live animals can become a learned behavior.
Scheduling regular play sessions can be an important part of a routine for an active, hunting-prone cat. Try to engage them in hunting-style play morning and evening to mimic natural activity cycles. This gives them an appropriate outlet for their energy and supports a harmonious home.
Disposing of the Body
When disposing of a dead mouse, it is important to take proper precautions to avoid potential health risks. Here are some tips for safe disposal:
Wear rubber gloves when handling the dead mouse. Mice can carry diseases, so direct contact should be avoided. According to Victor Pest, you should “Spray the dead mouse and the immediate area with a disinfectant or bleach-and-water mixture.” This will help kill any germs or bacteria.
Double bag the dead mouse before throwing it away. Place the mouse in a plastic bag first, then put that bag inside a second plastic bag. Seal both bags tightly. This prevents any leaks or smells from escaping.
Dispose of the dead mouse in an outdoor trash can. Do not place it in an indoor waste basket. Make sure the outdoor trash can has a lid and is not accessible to pets or wildlife.
Thoroughly clean the area where the mouse was found. According to Earthkind, you should “Spray the area with a disinfectant cleaning spray and let it soak for five minutes.” This will help eliminate germs and odors.
Responding to the Behavior
When a cat brings home a dead mouse or other small animal, it’s important not to punish or scold them. Though it may be an unpleasant surprise for owners, the cat is simply following natural hunting instincts and does not realize it is unwanted behavior. Yelling at or physically disciplining the cat will likely make them afraid or anxious.
Instead, gently discourage offering kills as gifts. When the cat brings the dead mouse, calmly take it away while praising them for being a good hunter. Provide an alternative toy to stalk and “kill”, like a feather wand or stuffed mouse, to redirect their energy in a more positive way. This allows the natural instinct to pounce and hunt while avoiding actual killings.
Cats may need outlets for their predator behaviors. Providing appropriate toys for playtime can give a natural outlet. Interactive play with wand toys, treat puzzles, and houses with hiding spots allows cats to act on their instincts in acceptable ways. With patience and redirection, cats can satisfy their inner hunter without bringing home unfortunate gifts.
For more tips, check out this guide: https://www.victorpest.com/articles/what-to-do-when-your-cat-brings-you-a-gift
When to Seek Help
If your cat’s hunting behavior becomes excessive or concerning, it’s a good idea to contact your veterinarian. Signs that hunting has become excessive include catching multiple mice per day or obsessively stalking and pouncing on any small movements. This level of fixation on hunting can indicate an underlying issue such as stress, anxiety, or frustration in cats.
You should also contact your vet if your cat is lethargic or not eating after killing or eating a mouse. Loss of appetite and lethargy can signal illness, so it’s important to get your cat checked out. According to the Animal Humane Society, symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, and muscle tremors after eating a rodent warrant a call to the vet [1].
Finally, contact your vet if your cat exhibits any signs of illness after killing or coming into contact with a mouse, even if they did not eat it. Mice can transmit diseases and parasites to cats, so it’s best to have your vet examine your cat and run tests just to be safe.
Providing a Natural Outlet
While indoor cats live longer, healthier lives on average, it’s understandable for cat owners to feel their cat is missing out on exploring the outdoors. Providing safe, enriched outdoor access can satisfy a cat’s desire to experience the outside world.
One excellent option is a “catio” – an enclosed patio or structure attached to your home that allows your cat to be outside while preventing escape or injury. Catios allow fresh air, grass, sunshine, and sights/sounds of nature without the risks of free roaming [1]. Cats can watch birds, feel the breeze, play, and more while protected from cars, people, predators, diseases, etc. Many creative catio designs exist to suit any home.
Another choice is supervised time outdoors on a leash and harness or in an outdoor enclosure. With proper training and patience, walks can provide enrichment. Just be sure to use a well-fitted harness and keep your cat nearby. An outdoor pen also allows temporary outdoor access. Supervise your cat while they’re outside to ensure safety.